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Memory Quote by Daniel Kahneman

“For example, students of policy have noted that the availability heuristic helps explain why some issues are highly salient in the public’s mind while others are neglected. People tend to assess the relative importance of issues by the ease with which they are retrieved from memory—and this is…” quote by Daniel Kahneman
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““For example, students of policy have noted that the availability heuristic helps explain why some issues are highly salient in the public’s mind while others are neglected. People tend to assess the relative importance of issues by the ease with which they are retrieved from memory—and this is largely determined by the extent of coverage in the media””

Daniel Kahneman

About This Quote

Source Book: Thinking, Fast and Slow, 2011

The availability heuristic makes issues seem important if they are easily recalled, often due to media coverage, causing neglect of less visible topics.

In simple terms: Easy‑to‑remember issues feel more important.

Key Takeaway

Check media bias before judging importance.

Themes

cognition bias media influence

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • policy analysis
  • news consumption
  • risk assessment

Key Concepts

availability heuristic public perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • What issues might you be overlooking?
  • How does media shape your priorities?
A Different Perspective

Reliance on memory can mislead decisions.

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