Human thought Quote by Gerald Edelman
“Early human thought proceeded by metaphor,”
About This Quote
Source Book: Bright Air, Brilliant Fire, 1992
Human cognition builds understanding through metaphor, using familiar concepts to grasp the unknown.
In simple terms: We think in metaphors to understand new ideas.
Key Takeaway
Use analogies to simplify complex topics.
Themes
cognition
language
metaphor
Mood
analytical
educational
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education
- science communication
- creative problem solving
- teaching
Key Concepts
neuroscience
philosophy
learning
Questions to Reflect On
- Which metaphor best explains your work?
- When do metaphors become limiting?
A Different Perspective
Metaphors can oversimplify and mislead.
![“[One task of intellectuals is] to break down the stereotypes and reductive categories that are . . . limiting to human thought and communication.” quote by Edward Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b94/edward-said-6412_break_one-task-of-intellectuals-is-to-break-do_140792.jpg)
