We are far too willing to reject the belief that much of what we see in life is random.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that we often deny the randomness of life and instead ascribe meaning to events.
Daniel Kahneman emphasizes our tendency to overlook the random nature of life, which can lead us to believe that events have a predictable pattern or purpose. By rejecting the idea that much of what we experience is due to chance, we may misunderstand the complexity and uncertainty inherent in human existence. This perspective challenges us to reflect on how we interpret experiences and the inherent randomness of the world around us.
In practice
In a motivational speech about embracing uncertainty and unpredictability in our lives.
We think, each of us, that we're much more rational than we are. And we think that we make our decisions because we have good reasons to make them. Even when it's the other way around. We believe in the reasons, because we've already made the decision.
The average investor's return is significantly lower than market indices due primarily to market timing.
Banks are run by executives, and executives protect themselves, and that does not always mean that banks are going to behave rationally.
Laziness is built deep into our nature.
Through some combination of culture and biology, our minds are intuitively receptive to religion.
You are more likely to learn something by finding surprises in your own behavior than by hearing surprising facts about people in general.
Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
There is no doubt that the world economy is in trouble. But if governments or individuals use this as an excuse to reduce assistance to the world's poorest people, they will only multiply the seriousness of the problem for the world as a whole.
Sentimentality is unearned emotion.
I don't think that the total creation took place in six days as we now measure time. If we can confirm, say, the Big Bang theory, that doesn't at all cause me to question my faith that God created the Big Bang.
Nationalism is like cheap alcohol. First it makes you drunk, then it makes you blind, then it kills you.
Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear.
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