Attitude Quote by John Dewey
“There is not, in fact, any such thing as the direct influence of one human being on another apart from use of the physical environment as an intermediary. A smile, a frown, a rebuke, a word of warning or encouragement, all involve some physical change. Otherwise, the attitude of one would not get over to alter the attitude of another.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: Experience and Nature, 1925
Human influence occurs through physical interactions, not direct mental transmission; emotions and actions affect others via observable changes.
In simple terms: Influence is physical, not mental.
Recognize the role of environment in communication.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- classroom teaching
- team meetings
- public speaking
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you convey feelings without words?
- Can non‑verbal cues be sufficient?
Physical mediation may limit subtle emotional impact.