--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: when System 2 is otherwise engaged, we…" description: "\"“when System 2 is otherwise engaged, we will believe almost anything. System 1 is gullible and biased to believe, System 2 is in charge of doubting and..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fcd/daniel-kahneman-431_quote_when-system-2-is-otherwise-engaged-we-wi_1530731.jpg" --- # when System 2 is otherwise engaged, we will believe almost… ![“when System 2 is otherwise engaged, we will believe almost anything. System 1 is gullible and biased to believe, System 2 is in charge of doubting and unbelieving, but System 2 is sometimes busy, and often lazy. Indeed, there is evidence that people are more likely to be influenced by empty…” quote by Daniel Kahneman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fcd/daniel-kahneman-431_quote_when-system-2-is-otherwise-engaged-we-wi_1530731.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fcd/daniel-kahneman-431_quote_when-system-2-is-otherwise-engaged-we-wi_1530731.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fcd/daniel-kahneman-431_quote_when-system-2-is-otherwise-engaged-we-wi_1530731.jpg) > ““when System 2 is otherwise engaged, we will believe almost anything. System 1 is gullible and biased to believe, System 2 is in charge of doubting and unbelieving, but System 2 is sometimes busy, and often lazy. Indeed, there is evidence that people are more likely to be influenced by empty persuasive messages, such as commercials, when they are tired and depleted.”” [Daniel Kahneman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-kahneman/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. When analytical thinking is occupied, we accept persuasive messages without scrutiny. **In simple terms:** System 2 fatigue makes us gullible. Key Takeaway Pause and engage critical thinking. Themes cognitive bias persuasion mental fatigue Mood analytical cautionary Type psychology education When to use this quote - advertising - political messaging - decision making Key Concepts dual‑process theory critical thinking Questions to Reflect On - When do you notice your judgment slipping? - How can you strengthen System 2 in daily life? A Different Perspective Overreliance on intuition can lead to errors. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet ## Related quotes > [“Indeed, there is evidence that people are more likely to be influenced by empty persuasive messages, such as commercials, when they are tired and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-kahneman/indeed-there-is-evidence-that-people-are-more-likely-to-be-influenced/) [Daniel Kahneman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-kahneman/) > [Doubting what you see is a very odd experience. And doubting what you remember is a little less odd than doubting what you see.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-kahneman/doubting-what-you-see-is-a-very-odd-experience-and-doubting-what-you/) [Daniel Kahneman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-kahneman/) > [Suppose you like someone very much. 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