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Assuming Quote by Isabel Briggs Myers

“We cannot safely assume that other people's minds work on the same principles as our own. All too often, others with whom we come in contact do not reason as we reason, or do not value the things we value, or are not interested in what interests us.” quote by Isabel Briggs Myers
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“We cannot safely assume that other people's minds work on the same principles as our own. All too often, others with whom we come in contact do not reason as we reason, or do not value the things we value, or are not interested in what interests us.”

Isabel Briggs Myers

About This Quote

Source Book: Gifts Differing, 1998

People’s reasoning and values differ; assuming similarity leads to misunderstanding.

In simple terms: We think differently from others.

Key Takeaway

Seek to understand diverse perspectives.

Themes

cognition empathy diversity

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

psychological educational

When to use this quote

  • workplace collaboration
  • cross‑cultural communication
  • education

Key Concepts

psychology cognitive bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we better recognize others’ reasoning?
  • What strategies improve mutual understanding?
A Different Perspective

Assuming similarity can oversimplify complex mindsets.

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