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There are pigeonholes in the brain with labels on them…

“There are pigeonholes in the brain with labels on them such as: To be looked into when I feel like it; Never to be thought of; Useless to follow up; Contents as yet unexamined; A blind alley; A rich vein, but exploitable only in another existence; Urgent; Dangerous; A hard nut to crack…” quote by Paul Valéry
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““There are pigeonholes in the brain with labels on them such as: To be looked into when I feel like it; Never to be thought of; Useless to follow up; Contents as yet unexamined; A blind alley; A rich vein, but exploitable only in another existence; Urgent; Dangerous; A hard nut to crack; Impossible; Discarded; Put in storage; None of my business; In my line; A teaser…and so forth.””

Paul Valéry

About This Quote

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

The mind sorts thoughts into categories, some ignored, some explored, shaping perception.

In simple terms: Our brain labels ideas, affecting what we notice.

Key Takeaway

Recognize mental shortcuts to broaden insight.

Themes

cognition perception mental models

Mood

analytical curious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • decision making
  • creative work
  • learning
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

psychology philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which mental “pigeonholes” restrict you?
  • How can you challenge these labels?
A Different Perspective

Labels can limit openness to new ideas.

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