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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Embracing vulnerability can lead to personal growth and deeper understanding.
This quote emphasizes the importance of stepping outside of our comfort zones and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, even if it means risking embarrassment or feeling out of place. By asking questions and engaging with those who may have different perspectives, we open ourselves up to new ideas and deeper insights, ultimately enhancing our wisdom and fostering growth.
Themes
RiskVulnerabilityLearningGrowthExpertise
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting to encourage innovation and creativity.
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.
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
Jonah LehrerRead
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