It is a profoundly erroneous truism repeated by all…
““It is a profoundly erroneous truism repeated by all copybooks, and by eminent people when they are making speeches, that we should cultivate the habit of thinking of what we are doing. The precise opposite is the case. Civilization advances by extending the number of operations which we can perform without thinking about them. Operations of thought are like cavalry charges in a battle—they are strictly limited in number, they require fresh horses, and must only be made at decisive moments.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Civilization advances by automating routine thought, reserving conscious deliberation for critical decisions.
In simple terms: Automation frees thought for crucial moments.
Key Takeaway
Automate routine tasks to focus on important decisions.
Themes
automation
thought
civilization
efficiency
decision making
Mood
explanatory
philosophical
Type
Communication:0
Habits:0
Thinking:0
Philosophy of Mind:0
Habit Thinking:0
Operations Thought:0
Perform Thinking:0
Thinking Operations:0
When to use this quote
- technology
- education
- management
Key Concepts
cognitive load reduction
strategic thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- pragmatic
- thoughtful
A Different Perspective
What tasks should be automated?;When is deep thinking essential?