Common denominator Quote by Brooke Gladstone
““Worrying about offending people drags us back to the lowest common denominator Our enemies are not the digital bits that dance across our screens but the neural impulses that animate our lizard brains””
About This Quote
Source Article: “The Neural Basis of Offense” (2021) discussing digital interaction
Offending others stems from primitive brain impulses, not just online content, urging deeper self‑awareness
In simple terms: Our lizard brains cause offense, not the digital medium itself
Key Takeaway
Recognize primal impulses, cultivate empathy
Themes
psychology
digital culture
empathy
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
academic
social
When to use this quote
- online discourse
- education
- conflict resolution
- mindfulness training
Key Concepts
neuroscience
social media
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we rewire instinctual responses online?
- What role does media literacy play in reducing offense?
A Different Perspective
Digital platforms amplify but do not create offensive behavior
