Contagion Quote by Malcolm Gladwell
““Emotion goes inside-out. Emotional contagion, though, suggests that the opposite is also true. If I can make you smile, I can make you happy. If I can make you frown, I can make you sad. Emotion, in this sense, goes outside-in.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: “The Science of Emotion” podcast, 2020
Emotion can be expressed outwardly and also absorbed from others, influencing feelings both ways.
In simple terms: Emotions spread through facial cues and affect moods.
Key Takeaway
Use facial expressions to positively influence others.
Themes
empathy
communication
psychology
Mood
hopeful
reflective
Type
advice
insightful
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- customer service
- public speaking
- leadership training
Key Concepts
emotional contagion
social influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure your smile is genuine?
- What situations might a frown be beneficial?
A Different Perspective
Facial expressions may be misinterpreted, limiting impact.
![“[Norden] said, with the Mark 15 Norden bombsight, he could drop a bomb into a pickle barrel at 20,000 feet.” quote by Malcolm Gladwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/565/malcolm-gladwell-348_barrels_norden-said-with-the-mark-15-norden-bomb_62474.jpg)
