Skip to content

If the box contains a diamond, I desire to believe that…

“If the box contains a diamond, I desire to believe that the box contains a diamond; If the box does not contain a diamond, I desire to believe that the box does not contain a diamond; Let me not become attached to beliefs I may not want.” quote by Eliezer Yudkowsky
Download Open image
““If the box contains a diamond, I desire to believe that the box contains a diamond; If the box does not contain a diamond, I desire to believe that the box does not contain a diamond; Let me not become attached to beliefs I may not want.””

Eliezer Yudkowsky

About This Quote

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

Encourages detachment from beliefs, whether true or false, to avoid emotional bias.

In simple terms: Don’t cling to beliefs you want to be true.

Key Takeaway

Practice non‑attachment to mental models.

Themes

philosophy psychology critical thinking

Mood

reflective calm

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • personal meditation
  • decision making
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

belief bias attachment cognitive flexibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you notice when desire shapes belief?
  • What strategies help maintain emotional distance from convictions?
A Different Perspective

Beliefs still influence behavior even when detached.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Eliezer Yudkowsky

Explore all 274 Eliezer Yudkowsky quotes

More Faith quotes

Browse all 37,796 Faith quotes