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Although individuals may be highly intelligent, they are sometimes dogged by skepticism and doubts. They are clever, but they tend to be hesitant and skeptical and are never really able to settle down. These people are the least receptive.
Dalai Lama
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Intelligence alone can lead to skepticism, making individuals hesitant and less receptive to new ideas.

This quote by the Dalai Lama highlights the paradox that intelligent individuals can often be plagued by their own skepticism and doubts. While their cleverness might equip them with the ability to analyze situations critically, it may also cause them to hesitate and be less open to embracing new concepts or beliefs, ultimately impeding their personal growth and understanding of the world.

Themes

SkepticismIntelligenceDoubtHesitationReceptiveness

In practice

Example use cases

During a workshop on critical thinking, this quote can remind participants of the importance of being open-minded.

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