Attention Quote by David Ricardo
“It appears to me that one great cause of our difference in opinion on subjects which we often discuss is that you have always in mind the immediate and temporary effects of particular changes, whereas I put these effects quite aside, and fix my whole attention on the long-term effects that will result from them.”
About This Quote
He argues that people focus on immediate, temporary effects of changes, while he prefers to consider long‑term consequences, leading to differing opinions.
In simple terms: He values long‑term effects over short‑term impacts.
Key Takeaway
Balance short and long‑term thinking in decisions.
Themes
philosophy
economics
decision making
time perspective
debate
Mood
analytical
reflective
curious
Type
Attention:1
Causes:0
Differences:1
Effects:0
Long:0
Long term:1
Mind:0
Opinion:0
Particular:0
Psychology:0
Results:0
Subjects:0
Temporary:0
Term:0
Whole:0
Difference In Opinion:0
Temporary Effects:0
Changes Effects:0
Effects Quite:0
Difference Opinion:0
Cause Difference:0
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- personal planning
- strategic business
Key Concepts
intertemporal choice
cognitive bias
future orientation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you weigh immediate versus future outcomes?
- Can both perspectives be integrated?
A Different Perspective
Short‑term focus can be practical.
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
