Expected Quote by Katha Pollitt
“If you run into trouble doing what's expected, people sympathize with you, while if you try something else and flop everyone says, You see?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Trouble with Expectation", 1995
People sympathize with expected failures, but judge unconventional attempts harshly, revealing bias toward conformity.
In simple terms: Bias favors expected failures over novel attempts.
Key Takeaway
Challenge norms, accept risk.
Themes
conformity
judgment
risk
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
sociological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career changes
- entrepreneurship
- artistic ventures
Key Concepts
social psychology
sociology
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we comfort expected failures?
- How can we support unconventional risk‑taking?
A Different Perspective
Societal pressure can stifle innovation.
