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You can get so well educated in America that your thoughts become detached from common sense. You can get so complicated in your thinking that the obvious isn't real to you anymore.
Peggy Noonan
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Education can sometimes lead to a disconnect from practical, common sense.

In this quote, Peggy Noonan highlights a paradox of education, particularly in America, where individuals may acquire extensive knowledge yet lose sight of simplicity and practicality in their thinking. This detachment from common sense can lead to complexities in thought processes that obscure the obvious truths in everyday life.

Themes

EducationCommon SenseThinkingComplexityKnowledge

In practice

Example use cases

In a seminar about the importance of practical knowledge in education.

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When everyone in America knows you're in a dreadful position, admit you're in a dreadful position. Don't lie about it and make them roll their eyes, tell the truth and make them blink.
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