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 idea that you can ask one question and it makes the point - well, that wasn't how psychology was done at the time.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the complexity of psychological research, highlighting that single questions cannot capture the intricacies of human behavior.
Daniel Kahneman's quote reflects the historical context of psychology as a discipline that has evolved beyond simplistic approaches. It suggests that the study of psychology involves nuanced and multifaceted inquiries, rather than relying on singular questions to convey deeper insights into human cognition and behavior. Kahneman's perspective urges a recognition of the sophistication required in psychological research and understanding.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a psychology class to emphasize the need for comprehensive research methods.
More from Daniel Kahneman
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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.
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Certainly I see the scientific view of the world as incompatible with religion, but that is not what is interesting about it. It is also incompatible with magic, but that also is not worth stressing. What is interesting about the scientific world view is that it is true, inspiring, remarkable and that it unites a whole lot of phenomena under a single heading.
Let us not fool ourselves into thinking we went to the Moon because we are pioneers, or discoverers, or adventurers. We went to the Moon because it was the militaristically expedient thing to do.
Every three weeks, we bring online as much solar power as we did in all of 2008...Thatβs why, over the past six years, weβve done more than ever before to combat climate change, from the way we produce energy, to the way we use it.