Skip to content

Analysis Quote by George Friedman

“Conventional analysis suffers from a profound failure of imagination. It imagines passing clouds to be permanent and is blind to powerful, long-term shifts taking place in full view of the world.” quote by George Friedman
Download Open image
“Conventional analysis suffers from a profound failure of imagination. It imagines passing clouds to be permanent and is blind to powerful, long-term shifts taking place in full view of the world.”

George Friedman

About This Quote

Source Book: The Next 100 Years by George Friedman, 2009

Conventional analysis often assumes current conditions will persist, missing emerging long‑term forces visible to all.

In simple terms: Analysts ignore big, slow changes.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions, seek hidden trends.

Themes

analysis imagination future studies

Mood

cautious inquisitive

Type

analytical strategic

When to use this quote

  • strategic planning
  • policy making
  • investment decisions
  • environmental forecasting

Key Concepts

Systems thinking scenario planning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance short‑term data with long‑term vision?
  • What blind spots exist in current models?
A Different Perspective

It may overemphasize novelty and overlook immediate data.

2.5 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by George Friedman

Explore all 91 George Friedman quotes

More Analysis quotes

Browse all 1,547 Analysis quotes