In what touches their social convictions, most persons do…
“In what touches their social convictions, most persons do not think. The threat of change, with all it suggests to them in the loss of social and economic privilege, alarms so deeply that they are incapable of unprejudiced thought. They seem to themselves to be thinking, with lucidity and fairness, but since they start from the conviction that change must undoubtedly be for the worse or from settled grief at the thought of losing what is old and lovely, they are doing no more than following a logical sequence of ideas from a false premise.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People resist change because it threatens their social and economic security, leading to biased reasoning.
In simple terms: Fear of loss clouds judgment.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question assumptions about change.
Themes
social psychology
bias
change resistance
privilege
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- organizational restructuring
- cultural shifts
- personal growth
Key Concepts
cognitive dissonance
status quo bias
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions are you holding about change?
- How might loss lead to new opportunities?
A Different Perspective
Change can also bring unforeseen benefits that are overlooked.