Able Quote by Hortense Powdermaker
“In Hollywood, the ... basic freedom of being able to choose between alternatives is absent. The gifted people who have the capacity for choice cannot exercise it; the executives who technically have the freedom of choice do not actually have it, because they usually lack the knowledge and imagination necessary for making such a choice.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The City of Joy, 1965
In Hollywood, true freedom of choice is missing; those with potential lack knowledge, while executives lack imagination.
In simple terms: Choice is limited by knowledge and imagination gaps.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and fill knowledge gaps to improve decisions.
Themes
freedom
choice
knowledge
imagination
industry
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- film production
- executive hiring
- career planning
- creative projects
Key Concepts
Decision theory
creative constraints
Questions to Reflect On
- How can organizations foster imagination among leaders?
- What steps can individuals take to expand their decision knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Even with formal freedom, practical constraints can block real choice.
![“... freedom of choice is possible. Life is going to unfold however it does: pleasant or unpleasant, disappointing or thrilling, expected or unexpected, all of the above! What a relief it would be to know that whatever wave comes along, we can ride it out with grace [p. 35].” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/340/sylvia-boorstein-7241_choice_freedom-of-choice-is-possible-life-is-go_122468.jpg)
