Few things in this world are more predictable than the reaction of conventional minds to unconventional ideas.
Interpretation
Conventional thinkers often resist new and unconventional ideas, showing predictable reactions.
This quote by John Anthony West highlights the tendency of individuals who adhere to conventional thinking to react negatively or dismissively towards ideas that challenge the status quo. It suggests that human reactions to innovation or unconventionality are often predictable, indicating a resistance to change and a preference for familiar beliefs and norms.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about fostering creativity in the workplace.
It may be that we have become so feckless as a people that we no longer care how things do work, but only what kind of quick, easy outer impression they give. If so, there is little hope for our cities or probably for much else in our society. But I do not think this is so.
There is no problem of human nature which is insoluble.
Death consists, indeed, in a repeated process of unrobing, or unsheathing. The immortal part of man shakes off from itself, one after the other, its outer casings, and - as the snake from its skin, the butterfly from its chrysalis - emerges from one after another, passing into a higher state of consciousness.
Controlled hysteria is what's required. To exist constantly in a state of controlled hysteria. It's agony. But everyone has agony. The difference is that I try to take my agony home and teach it to sing.
I glory in the distinguishing grace of God and will not, by the grace of God, step one inch from my principles or think of adhering to the present fashionable sort of religion.
What terrified me will terrify others; and I need only describe the spectre which had haunted my midnight pillow.
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