Belief Quote by Daniel Levitin
“Having learned something, we tend to cling to that belief, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. New information comes in all time, and the thing we ought to be thinking about doing is changing our beliefs as that new information comes in.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Organized Mind, Daniel Levitin, 2014
People often stick to existing beliefs despite strong contradictory evidence, resisting updates when new data arrives.
In simple terms: We cling to old beliefs even when new facts contradict them.
Key Takeaway
Update beliefs when evidence changes.
Themes
cognitive bias
belief revision
critical thinking
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
psychological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- decision making
- scientific research
- personal growth
- media consumption
Key Concepts
confirmation bias
belief inertia
epistemic humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize when a belief needs updating?
- What strategies help you accept new evidence?
A Different Perspective
Changing beliefs can be emotionally uncomfortable and socially risky.
