One of the greatest myths in the world - & the phrase…
““One of the greatest myths in the world - & the phrase 'greatest myths' is just a fancy way of saying 'big fat lies' -- is that troublesome things get less & less troublesome if you do them more & more. People say this myth when they are teaching children to ride bicycles, for instance, as though falling off a bicycle & skinning your knee is less troublesome the fourteenth time you do it than it is the first time. The truth is that troublesome things tend to remain troublesome no matter how many times you do them, & that you should avoid doing them unless they are absolutely urgent.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Repeated exposure does not diminish inherent difficulty; persistent problems remain challenging regardless of frequency.
In simple terms: Doing something often doesn’t make it easier.
Key Takeaway
Avoid unnecessary repetition of tough tasks.
Themes
perseverance
myths
effort
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
critical
thought‑provoking
When to use this quote
- learning new skills
- parenting
- health habits
- project management
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- Are there tasks that get easier with practice?
- When should you persist despite difficulty?
A Different Perspective
Some tasks truly become easier with practice; this view may overgeneralize.