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You'd think she'd be reasonable," he muttered. "Most…

“You'd think she'd be reasonable," he muttered. "Most people aren't, even though they'd protest that they are. They prefer to be coaxed or wheedled, or even driven. That way they never make a mistake: if there is one, it's always due to something or somebody else. This going headlong for things is…” quote by John Wyndham
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““You'd think she'd be reasonable," he muttered. "Most people aren't, even though they'd protest that they are. They prefer to be coaxed or wheedled, or even driven. That way they never make a mistake: if there is one, it's always due to something or somebody else. This going headlong for things is a mechanistic view, and people in general aren't machines. They have minds of their own-mostly peasant minds, at their easiest when they are in the familiar furrow.””

John Wyndham

About This Quote

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

He critiques people who avoid responsibility by blaming others, noting that true growth requires confronting mistakes rather than mechanistically following familiar patterns.

In simple terms: Avoid blaming others; own your mistakes.

Key Takeaway

Take responsibility for your actions.

Themes

personal growth accountability human nature

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • workplace conflicts
  • personal relationships
  • creative projects
  • learning environments

Key Concepts

psychology philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we prefer familiar routines?
  • How can we encourage critical thinking?
A Different Perspective

People may resist change due to fear of the unknown.

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