Bias Quote by Gordon Allport
“If a person is capable of rectifying his erroneous judgments in the light of new evidence he is not prejudiced. Prejudgments become prejudices only if they are reversible when exposed to new knowledge. A prejudice, unlike a simple misconception, is actively resistant to all evidence that would unseat it. We tend to grow emotional when a prejudice is threatened with contradiction. Thus the difference between ordinary prejudgments and prejudice is that one can discuss and rectify a prejudgment without emotional resistance.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Nature of Prejudice by Gordon Allport, 1954
Being open to new evidence allows us to correct mistaken beliefs, while prejudice resists change and triggers emotional defensiveness.
In simple terms: Open-mindedness correct prejudice resists change.
Key Takeaway
Seek evidence, stay flexible.
Themes
open-mindedness
bias
critical thinking
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- debates
- scientific research
- personal growth
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
cognitive flexibility
emotional regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize when a belief is a prejudice?
- What strategies help you stay open to contradictory evidence?
A Different Perspective
Prejudices can be deeply entrenched, making rational discussion difficult.
![“Since we think about ourselves so much of the time, it is comforting to assume ... that we really know the score… [But] this is not an easy assignment. [As] Santayana wrote, 'Nothing requires a rarer intellectual heroism than willingness to see one's equation written out.'” quote by Gordon Allport](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f3b/gordon-allport-29384_assignments_since-we-think-about-ourselves-so-much-o_1110919.jpg)
![“The dog [in Pavlov's experiments] does not continue to salivate whenever it hears a bell unless sometimes at least an edible offering accompanies the bell. But there are innumerable instances in human life where a single association, never reinforced, results in the establishment of a life-long…” quote by Gordon Allport](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/488/gordon-allport-29384_accidents_the-dog-in-pavlov-s-experiments-does-not_1383042.jpg)
