Creativity Quote by Eric Hoffer
“To overestimate the originality of one's thoughts is perhaps a less serious defect than being unaware of their newness. There is a more pronounced lack of sensitivity in underestimating (ourselves and others) than in overestimating.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The True Believer, Eric Hoffer, 1951
Overvaluing originality can be less harmful than failing to recognize new ideas, which reduces sensitivity to innovation.
In simple terms: Missing new ideas hurts more than over‑estimating originality.
Key Takeaway
Stay open to fresh perspectives and recognize novelty.
Themes
creativity
self‑awareness
innovation
humility
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal development
- teamwork
- education
- research
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
self‑assessment
learning mindset
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you test the novelty of your ideas?
- What steps help you stay sensitive to others' contributions?
A Different Perspective
Over‑confidence can still blind you to flaws.
![“God works creatively with already existing realities to bring about newness. This understanding also entails the idea that the present (and future) is not wholly determined by the past; God does bring the "new" into existence. [...] God also creates in and through creaturely activity.” quote by Terence E. Fretheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4c6/terence-e-fretheim-34120_biblical-studies_god-works-creatively-with-already-existi_231398.jpg)
