Behaviour-psychology Quote by Daniel Kahneman
““The amount of evidence and its quality do not count for much, because poor evidence can make a very good story. For some of our most important beliefs we have no evidence at all, except that people we love and trust hold these beliefs. Considering how little we know, the confidence we have in our beliefs is preposterous - and it is also essential.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman, 2011
Our beliefs often rest on weak or absent evidence, yet we trust them because of social influence and narrative appeal.
In simple terms: Beliefs can be flimsy but feel certain due to trust and stories.
Key Takeaway
Question evidence and recognize social bias.
Themes
cognitive bias
belief formation
social influence
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- making decisions
- evaluating claims
- discussing politics
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
Epistemology
psychology
narrative persuasion
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify the evidence behind your core beliefs?
- What role does trust play in accepting ideas?
A Different Perspective
Stories can be persuasive even when facts are lacking.
