Block Quote by David Bohm
“There is a difficulty with only one person changing. People call that person a great saint or a great mystic or a great leader, and they say, 'Well, he's different from me - I could never do it.' What's wrong with most people is that they have this block - they feel they could never make a difference, and therefore, they never face the possibility, because it is too disturbing, too frightening.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Wholeness and the Implicate Order, David Bohm, 1980
People often think only exceptional individuals can effect change, leading most to feel powerless and avoid confronting unsettling possibilities.
In simple terms: Change seems only for extraordinary people, so many feel stuck.
Key Takeaway
Believe you can influence change, even in small ways.
Themes
self‑efficacy
psychology
leadership
fear
change
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal development
- community activism
- education reform
- mental health therapy
Key Concepts
agency
self‑doubt
collective action
personal growth
Questions to Reflect On
- What small actions could you take to feel more impactful?
- How does fear limit your willingness to act?
A Different Perspective
Assuming only rare individuals can change ignores everyday agency and collective impact.
![“The system [of thought] doesn't stay with the difficult problem that produces unpleasant feelings. It's conditioned somehow to move as fast as it can toward more pleasant feelings, without actually facing the thing that's making the unpleasant feeling.” quote by David Bohm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e2a/david-bohm-4805_difficult_the-system-of-thought-doesn-t-stay-with_8291.jpg)
