--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is a vast, and pervasive, cognitive…" description: "\"It is a vast, and pervasive, cognitive mistake to assume that people who agree with you (or disagree) do so on the same criteria that you care about.\" ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0fa/megan-mcardle-26163_agree_it-is-a-vast-and-pervasive-cognitive-mis_134166.png" --- # It is a vast, and pervasive, cognitive mistake to assume… ![“It is a vast, and pervasive, cognitive mistake to assume that people who agree with you (or disagree) do so on the same criteria that you care about.” quote by Megan McArdle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0fa/megan-mcardle-26163_agree_it-is-a-vast-and-pervasive-cognitive-mis_134166.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0fa/megan-mcardle-26163_agree_it-is-a-vast-and-pervasive-cognitive-mis_134166.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0fa/megan-mcardle-26163_agree_it-is-a-vast-and-pervasive-cognitive-mis_134166.png) > “It is a vast, and pervasive, cognitive mistake to assume that people who agree with you (or disagree) do so on the same criteria that you care about.” [Megan McArdle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/megan-mcardle/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Assuming others share your criteria for agreement is a common cognitive error that leads to misunderstanding. **In simple terms:** People often think others value the same things they do. Key Takeaway Check others' criteria before assuming agreement. Themes cognition bias communication Mood thoughtful analytical Type advisory reflective When to use this quote - political debate - team meetings - negotiations - friendship discussions Key Concepts confirmation bias perspective taking Questions to Reflect On - What criteria do you assume others share? - How can you uncover hidden values? A Different Perspective People may have valid reasons for differing criteria, making consensus harder. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Care](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/care/) [Failure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/failure/) [Mistake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mistake/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) ## Related quotes > [It is always safe to assume that people are more subtle and less sensitive than they seem.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-hoffer/it-is-always-safe-to-assume-that-people-are-more-subtle-and-less/) [Eric Hoffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-hoffer/) > [“She was not somebody who'd assume other people would want to hear about her unhappiness.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-sampson/she-was-not-somebody-who-d-assume-other-people-would-want-to-hear/) Kevin Sampson > [“I always assume people are hiding parts of themselves from each other. 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