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An outree explanation, violating all our preconceptions…

“An outree explanation, violating all our preconceptions, would never pass for a true account of a novelty. We should scratch round industriously till we found something less excentric.” quote by William James
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““An outree explanation, violating all our preconceptions, would never pass for a true account of a novelty. We should scratch round industriously till we found something less excentric.””

William James

About This Quote

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

A true explanation must fit within our existing mental frameworks; otherwise it feels alien and implausible.

In simple terms: Explanations must align with what we already understand.

Key Takeaway

Seek explanations that feel intuitive.

Themes

cognition perception epistemology

Mood

curious analytical

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • scientific research
  • education
  • problem solving

Key Concepts

conceptual coherence mental models

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you recognize when an idea feels too foreign?
  • When should you challenge your assumptions?
A Different Perspective

Explanations can be forced to fit preconceptions, limiting insight.

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