Motivation Quote by Kathryn Schulz
““For at least a century, psychologists and philosophers have suggested that our urge to explain the world is analogous to our urge to populate it. Like making babies, they argue, making theories is so crucial to our survival that we have a natural drive to do so - what William James called a "theoretic instinct." (p.96)””
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Theoretical Instinct," The New Yorker, 2015
Humans have an innate drive to create explanations, similar to a biological urge to reproduce, fueling scientific and philosophical theorizing.
In simple terms: People naturally generate theories to understand the world.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate curiosity and critical thinking.
Themes
curiosity
theory
human nature
science
Mood
inquisitive
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- research projects
- education
- problem solving
- innovation
Key Concepts
Epistemology
evolutionary psychology
creative drive
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions underlie your explanations?
- When does theorizing become counterproductive?
A Different Perspective
The drive to theorize can lead to overcomplication or false certainty.
