Arguments Quote by Alfred Korzybski
““... everything based on arguments involving the ''is'' of identidy and the older el (elementalistic) 'logic' and 'psychology', such as the prevailing doctrines, laws, institutions, systems. , cannot possibly be in full accordance with the structure of our nervous system. This, in turn, affects the latter and results in the prevailing private and public un-sanity. Hence, the unrest, unhappines, nervous strain, irritability, lack of wisdom and absence of balance, the instability of our instituitions, the wars and revolutions, the increase of ''mental ills, prostitution, criminality, commercialism as a creed, the inadequate standards of education, the low professional standards of lawyers, priests, politicians, physicians, teachers, parents, and even of scientists - which in the last-named field often lead to dogmatic and antisocial attitudes and lack of creativeness.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Science and Sanity by Alfred Korzybski, 1933
Human institutions and beliefs often clash with the brain's natural structure, causing societal and personal instability.
In simple terms: Our systems conflict with our minds, leading to chaos.
Key Takeaway
Align structures with human nature.
Themes
psychology
society
systems
health
creativity
Mood
reflective
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education reform
- legal practice
- medical ethics
- parenting
- scientific research
Key Concepts
systems theory
neuroscience
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we redesign institutions to fit human cognition?
- What role does culture play in this mismatch?
A Different Perspective
Not all issues stem from structural mismatch; cultural factors also matter.
