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Accepted Quote by Maxwell Maltz

“It is no exaggeration to say that every human being is hypnotized to some extent either by ideas he has uncritically accepted from others or ideas he has repeated to himself or convinced himself are true. These negative ideas have exactly the same effect upon our behavior as the negative ideas…” quote by Maxwell Maltz
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“It is no exaggeration to say that every human being is hypnotized to some extent either by ideas he has uncritically accepted from others or ideas he has repeated to himself or convinced himself are true. These negative ideas have exactly the same effect upon our behavior as the negative ideas implanted into the mind of a hypnotized subject by a professional hypnotist.”

Maxwell Maltz

About This Quote

Source Book: Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz, 1960

We are often unconsciously influenced by accepted beliefs, acting as if they were self‑suggested hypnotic commands.

In simple terms: Accepted beliefs can control us like hypnosis.

Key Takeaway

Question and test your core beliefs.

Themes

psychology self‑awareness influence

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal decision
  • marketing
  • education
  • leadership

Key Concepts

cognitive bias self‑suggestion mindset

Questions to Reflect On

  • What beliefs have you accepted without scrutiny?
  • How do you differentiate between useful and harmful ideas?
A Different Perspective

Beliefs may be resistant to change without conscious effort.

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