Skip to content

Discipline Quote by Jonah Lehrer

“I always wanted to be a scientist, I always thought I'd be a scientist, that was the narrative I was carrying around. I worked in a neuroscience lab as an undergraduate and then after, almost five years in total, but I realized I just wasn't good at science. I didn't have the discipline for it.” quote by Jonah Lehrer
Download Open image
“I always wanted to be a scientist, I always thought I'd be a scientist, that was the narrative I was carrying around. I worked in a neuroscience lab as an undergraduate and then after, almost five years in total, but I realized I just wasn't good at science. I didn't have the discipline for it.”

Jonah Lehrer

About This Quote

Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2011

Realizing a mismatch between passion and aptitude can lead to a career shift, acknowledging limits and seeking better fits.

In simple terms: I wasn’t good at science.

Key Takeaway

Accept limits, find new path.

Themes

career change self‑assessment realism

Mood

reflective honest

Type

inspirational cautionary

When to use this quote

  • undergrad research
  • job search
  • skill development

Key Concepts

growth mindset career transition

Questions to Reflect On

  • What strengths can you leverage elsewhere?
  • How do you redefine success?
A Different Perspective

Changing fields can feel like failure.

2.9 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Jonah Lehrer

Explore all 74 Jonah Lehrer quotes

More Discipline quotes

Browse all 5,597 Discipline quotes