People assume that they perceive reality as it is, that our senses accurately record the outside world. Yet the science suggests that, in important ways, people experience reality not as it is, but as they expect it to be.
Jonah LehrerRead
Knowledge can be a subtle curse. When we learn about the world, we also learn all the reasons why the world cannot be changed. We get used to our failures and imperfections. We become numb to the possibilities of something new
Interpretation
What this quote means
Knowledge can both enlighten and hinder our perception of what is possible.
This quote emphasizes the duality of knowledge, suggesting that while it can provide insight into the world, it can also limit our ability to envision change. As we learn and encounter failures, we may become resigned to the status quo, dulling our sense of hope and potential for innovation.
Themes
KnowledgeWorldChangeFailurePossibilities
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the limitations of traditional education, this quote can emphasize the need for innovative thinking.
More from Jonah Lehrer
All quotes →The only way to maximize group creativity—to make the whole more than the sum of its parts—is to encourage a candid discussion of mistakes. In part, this is because the acceptance of error reduces cost. When you believe your flaws will be quickly corrected by the group, you're less worried about perfecting your contribution, which leads to a more candid conversation. We can only get it right when we talk about what we got wrong.
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We need to be willing to risk embarrassment, ask silly questions, surround ourselves with people who don't know what we're talking about. We need to leave behind the safety of our expertise.
Jonah LehrerRead
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