--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What we mean by information - the…" description: "\"What we mean by information - the elementary unit of information - is a difference which makes a difference, and it is able to make a difference becaus..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/99f/gregory-bateson-7135_able_what-we-mean-by-information-the-elementa_1646704.jpg" --- # What we mean by information - the elementary unit of… ![“What we mean by information - the elementary unit of information - is a difference which makes a difference, and it is able to make a difference because the neural pathways along which it travels and is continually transformed are themselves provided with energy. The pathways are ready to be…” quote by Gregory Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/99f/gregory-bateson-7135_able_what-we-mean-by-information-the-elementa_1646704.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/99f/gregory-bateson-7135_able_what-we-mean-by-information-the-elementa_1646704.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/99f/gregory-bateson-7135_able_what-we-mean-by-information-the-elementa_1646704.jpg) > “What we mean by information - the elementary unit of information - is a difference which makes a difference, and it is able to make a difference because the neural pathways along which it travels and is continually transformed are themselves provided with energy. The pathways are ready to be triggered. We may even say that the question is already implicit in them.” [Gregory Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gregory-bateson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Information is a difference that can cause change, and it works because neural pathways are energized and ready to be activated. **In simple terms:** Information triggers change via energized brain pathways. Key Takeaway Recognize the power of subtle differences. Themes cognition energy neural processing Mood thoughtful inquisitive Type theoretical philosophical When to use this quote - learning - communication - technology design Key Concepts systems theory psychology Questions to Reflect On - What differences in your environment are most influential? - How can you harness them? A Different Perspective Complex to may be oversimplified. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Able](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/able/) [Data](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/data/) [Difference Neural](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/difference-neural-614590/) [Differences](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/differences/) [Elementary Unit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/elementary-unit-614591/) [Energy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/energy/) [Implicit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/implicit/) [Information](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/information/) [Information Difference](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/information-difference-614587/) [Information Elementary](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/information-elementary-614588/) [Making a difference](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/making-a-difference/) [May](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/may/) [Mean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mean/) [Mean Information](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mean-information-614589/) [Pathways](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pathways/) [Ready](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ready/) [Transformed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/transformed/) [Units](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/units/) ## Related quotes > [Information is a difference that makes a difference.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gregory-bateson/information-is-a-difference-that-makes-a-difference/) [Gregory Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gregory-bateson/) > [A computer cannot manufacture new information. 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