Acting Quote by Barbara Tuchman
“Wooden-headedness, the source of self-deception, is a factor that plays a remarkably large role in government. It consists in assessing a situation in terms of preconceived fixed notions while ignoring or rejecting any contrary signs. It is acting according to wish while not allowing oneself to be deflected by the facts.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The March of Folly by Barbara Tuchman, 2004
People often cling to fixed ideas, ignoring facts, leading to self‑deception especially in politics.
In simple terms: Stubborn ideas blind us to reality.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions before deciding.
Themes
politics
self‑deception
bias
decision‑making
Mood
cautious
critical
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- leadership meetings
- media analysis
- personal decisions
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
confirmation bias
groupthink
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize when you’re ignoring contrary evidence?
- What steps can you take to challenge your own assumptions?
A Different Perspective
Rigid thinking can ignore crucial evidence, causing poor outcomes.
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