Skip to content

in almost every experiment, researchers have seen echoes…

“in almost every experiment, researchers have seen echoes of Squire’s discoveries with Eugene: Habits are powerful, but delicate. They can emerge outside our consciousness, or can be deliberately designed. They often occur without our permission, but can be reshaped by fiddling with their parts…” quote by Charles Duhigg
Download Open image
““in almost every experiment, researchers have seen echoes of Squire’s discoveries with Eugene: Habits are powerful, but delicate. They can emerge outside our consciousness, or can be deliberately designed. They often occur without our permission, but can be reshaped by fiddling with their parts. They shape our lives far more than we realize—they are so strong, in fact, that they cause our brains to cling to them at the exclusion of all else, including common sense.””

Charles Duhigg

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Habits are strong yet fragile, operating mostly unconsciously, but can be reshaped deliberately.

In simple terms: Habits are powerful, often unseen, and can be changed.

Key Takeaway

Identify and tweak habit components to reshape behavior.

Themes

habit formation mindfulness behavior change neuroscience

Mood

analytical motivational practical

Type

self‑help psychology inspirational

When to use this quote

  • daily routine
  • work productivity
  • health regimen
  • learning new skill

Key Concepts

automaticity neural pathways deliberate design self‑control

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which habit feels most automatic to you?
  • How can you subtly adjust its triggers?
A Different Perspective

Changing habits may require sustained effort and may not be fully controllable.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Charles Duhigg

Explore all 293 Charles Duhigg quotes

More Habit quotes

Browse all 4,726 Habit quotes