--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: One of the things cognitive science…" description: "\"One of the things cognitive science teaches us is that when people define their very identity by a worldview, or a narrative, or a mode of thought, the..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d9e/george-lakoff-17996_aspect_one-of-the-things-cognitive-science-teac_1448850.jpg" --- # One of the things cognitive science teaches us is that… ![“One of the things cognitive science teaches us is that when people define their very identity by a worldview, or a narrative, or a mode of thought, they are unlikely to change-for the simple reason that it is physically part of their brain, and so many other aspects of their brain structure would…” quote by George Lakoff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d9e/george-lakoff-17996_aspect_one-of-the-things-cognitive-science-teac_1448850.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d9e/george-lakoff-17996_aspect_one-of-the-things-cognitive-science-teac_1448850.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d9e/george-lakoff-17996_aspect_one-of-the-things-cognitive-science-teac_1448850.jpg) > “One of the things cognitive science teaches us is that when people define their very identity by a worldview, or a narrative, or a mode of thought, they are unlikely to change-for the simple reason that it is physically part of their brain, and so many other aspects of their brain structure would also have to change; that change is highly unlikely.” [George Lakoff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-lakoff/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Identity tied to a worldview becomes a neural pattern, making change difficult because it would require restructuring brain circuits. **In simple terms:** Our beliefs shape brain structure, so changing them is hard. Key Takeaway Recognize flexibility in thinking. Themes identity neuroscience change politics cognition Mood analytical critical Type philosophical psychological When to use this quote - political debates - personal growth - education programs Key Concepts Cognitive rigidity neural plasticity Questions to Reflect On - What beliefs feel hardest to change? - How can we foster neural flexibility? A Different Perspective People can still shift views with effort. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Aspect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/aspect/) [Brain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brain/) [Change](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/change/) [Cognitive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cognitive/) [Cognitive science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cognitive-science/) [Identity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identity/) [Identity Worldview](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identity-worldview-5204183/) [Narrative](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/narrative/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Philosophy of Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy-of-mind/) [Physically Brain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/physically-brain-994043/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Simple](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/simple/) [Structure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/structure/) [Teach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/teach/) [Things Cognitive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/things-cognitive-5204184/) [Unlikely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/unlikely/) [Worldview](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/worldview/) ## Related quotes > [Decision-making is difficult because, by its nature, it involves uncertainty. 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