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Difficult Quote by Joan Robinson

“New ideas are difficult just because they are new. Repetition has somehow plastered over the gaps and inconsistencies in the old ones, and the new cannot penetrate.” quote by Joan Robinson
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“New ideas are difficult just because they are new. Repetition has somehow plastered over the gaps and inconsistencies in the old ones, and the new cannot penetrate.”

Joan Robinson

About This Quote

Source Book: “The Economics of Imperfect Competition”, 1933

New ideas face resistance because established concepts fill gaps, making novelty hard to accept.

In simple terms: New ideas are resisted.

Key Takeaway

Challenge old assumptions.

Themes

innovation economics change

Mood

critical analytical

Type

theoretical practical

When to use this quote

  • policy reform
  • academic debate
  • product development
  • education reform

Key Concepts

cognitive bias paradigm shift

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we better evaluate new ideas?
  • What mechanisms protect old ideas?
A Different Perspective

Resistance can stall progress.

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