The propensity to excessive simplification is indeed…
““The propensity to excessive simplification is indeed natural to the mind of man, since it is only by abstraction and generalisation, which necessarily imply the neglect of a multitude of particulars, that he can stretch his puny faculties so as to embrace a minute portion of the illimitable vastness of the universe. But if the propensity is natural and even inevitable, it is nevertheless fraught with peril, since it is apt to narrow and falsify our conception of any subject under investigation. To correct it partially - for to correct it wholly would require an infinite intelligence - we must endeavour to broaden our views by taking account of a wide range of facts and possibilities; and when we have done so to the utmost of our power, we must still remember that from the very nature of things our ideas fall immeasurably short of the reality.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human minds simplify reality, but over‑generalization narrows understanding; broadening perspectives mitigates this.
In simple terms: We over‑simplify, limiting insight.
Key Takeaway
Embrace complexity, seek diverse facts.
Themes
knowledge
cognition
bias
complexity
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
Abstraction:1
Generalizations:1
Infinite intelligence:0
Knowledge:1
Psychology:1
Science:1
Propensity Excessive:1
Man Abstraction:0
Propensity Natural:0
Excessive Simplification:1
Universe Propensity:0
When to use this quote
- research
- education
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
abstraction
generalization
intellectual humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you guard against oversimplification?
- What sources broaden your view?
A Different Perspective
Infinite intelligence is unattainable, so perfection is impossible.