Communication Quote by Michael Polanyi
“I shall suggest, on the contrary, that all communication relies, to a noticeable extent on evoking knowledge that we cannot tell, and that all our knowledge of mental processes, like feelings or conscious intellectual activities, is based on a knowledge which we cannot tell.”
About This Quote
Knowledge of mental processes is indirect; we infer feelings and thoughts from observable behavior, not from direct access.
In simple terms: We understand minds by observing actions, not by reading thoughts.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the limits of self‑knowledge and value external perspectives.
Themes
cognition
epistemology
psychology
communication
interpretation
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- therapy sessions
- educational feedback
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
implicit knowledge
theory of mind
social cognition
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you make about others’ thoughts?
- How can you verify hidden mental states?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on assumed knowledge can lead to misinterpretation.
