Probably I even remembered, subconsciously, having “Limey…
““Probably I even remembered, subconsciously, having “Limey bastard!” shouted at me on a street-car … Yes, a certain bias might have crept in. But to an outside observer the fact did remain that, though a big effort was being made, it was not universal; it was being side-tracked all the time by foolish or trivial or catchpenny ideas and people: by people who thought it was funny to grab more than their share of what was going: by the man who was too smart to work one-hundred-percent, and the woman who was””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Even with effort, bias and distractions can derail universal progress.
In simple terms: Bias and trivial concerns can undermine big goals.
Key Takeaway
Guard against bias and stay focused.
Themes
bias
distraction
effort
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- project management
- social movements
- policy making
Key Concepts
sociology
human behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify hidden biases in your work?
- What distractions most often sidetrack your goals?
A Different Perspective
Even with vigilance, hidden biases may persist.