Alternatives Quote by Kenneth Burke
“If decisions were a choice between alternatives, decisions would come easy. Decision is the selection and formulation of alternatives.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Language as Symbolic Action, 1966
Explains that when choices are clear, decision‑making simplifies; decisions involve selecting and shaping options.
In simple terms: Clear choices make decisions easy.
Simplify options to decide.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- product development
- policy planning
- personal dilemmas
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you create clearer alternatives?
- What biases affect option formulation?
Complex problems rarely present clear alternatives.