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We are strangely biased, as individuals and media…

“We are strangely biased, as individuals and media institutions, to focus on big sudden changes, whether good or bad - amazing breakthroughs, such as a new gadget that gets released, or catastrophic failures, like a plane crash.” quote by Steven Johnson
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“We are strangely biased, as individuals and media institutions, to focus on big sudden changes, whether good or bad - amazing breakthroughs, such as a new gadget that gets released, or catastrophic failures, like a plane crash.”

Steven Johnson

About This Quote

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

People and media overemphasize dramatic events, ignoring gradual trends and smaller changes.

In simple terms: We focus on big shocks, missing slow shifts.

Key Takeaway

Notice subtle changes, not just headlines.

Themes

attention media bias trend perception

Mood

analytical critical

Type

observational educational

When to use this quote

  • monitoring market trends
  • evaluating personal progress
  • reading long‑term reports

Key Concepts

cognitive bias information overload

Questions to Reflect On

  • How might you balance attention between breakthroughs and incremental progress?
  • What small changes have you overlooked?
A Different Perspective

Sudden events can be crucial; not all change is subtle.

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