Ten years ago, when I was on an airplane and I introduced…
![“Ten years ago, when I was on an airplane and I introduced myself to my seatmate, and told them [I was a psychologist], they'd move away from me. ... And now when I tell people what I do, they move toward me.” quote by Martin Seligman](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/508/martin-seligman-5268_airplane_ten-years-ago-when-i-was-on-an-airplane_1510649.jpg)
“Ten years ago, when I was on an airplane and I introduced myself to my seatmate, and told them [I was a psychologist], they'd move away from me. ... And now when I tell people what I do, they move toward me.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People’s reactions to a psychologist’s identity have shifted from avoidance to attraction over time.
In simple terms: Perception of psychologists changed from fear to interest.
Key Takeaway
Leverage changing attitudes to promote mental health.
Themes
perception
psychology
social change
Mood
optimistic
analytical
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- clinical practice
- public talks
- media interviews
Key Concepts
stigma reduction
professional identity
Questions to Reflect On
- Why did attitudes change?
- How can you further reduce stigma?
A Different Perspective
Some still hold biases against mental health professionals.