Baked goods Quote by Lisa Feldman Barrett
““But evolution has provided the human mind with the ability to create another kind of real, one that is completely dependent on human observers. From changes in air pressure, we construct sounds. From wavelengths of light, we construct colors. From baked goods, we construct cupcakes and muffins that are indistinguishable except by name (chapter 2). Just get a couple of people to agree that something is real and give it a name, and they create reality. All humans with a normally functioning brain have the potential for this little bit of magic, and we use it all the time.””
About This Quote
Source Book: How Emotions Are Made, Lisa Feldman Barrett, 2017
Humans construct reality through shared agreements, labeling perceptions as concrete objects.
In simple terms: We make reality by agreeing on names for things.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how consensus shapes what we call real.
Themes
perception
social construction
reality
language
cognition
Mood
reflective
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
psychological
observational
When to use this quote
- marketing
- science communication
- everyday decision making
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
social constructivism
semantic labeling
cognitive psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do shared labels influence your judgments?
- When might consensus create a misleading reality?
A Different Perspective
Consensus can be manipulated, leading to false or harmful “realities”.
