Conventional Quote by Malcolm Gladwell
“The conventional wisdom is often wrong. Crime didn't keep soaring in the 1990s, money alone doesn't win elections, and - surprise - drinking eight glasses of water a day has never actually been shown to do a thing for your health. Conventional wisdom is often shoddily formed and devilishly difficult to see through, but it can be done.”
About This Quote
Common beliefs often lack solid evidence; questioning them reveals hidden complexities and can lead to better decisions.
In simple terms: Popular ideas are sometimes wrong; challenge them.
Key Takeaway
Critically evaluate accepted wisdom.
Themes
critical thinking
skepticism
evidence
Mood
inquisitive
analytical
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- health advice
- financial strategy
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
information literacy
Questions to Reflect On
- Which widely held belief have you examined?
- How do you verify a claim?
A Different Perspective
Challenging norms can be socially risky.
![“[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)
