--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I shall suggest, on the contrary, that…" description: "\"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 know..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/19e/michael-polanyi-17316_communication_i-shall-suggest-on-the-contrary-that-all_2098990.jpg" --- # I shall suggest, on the contrary, that all communication… ![“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.” quote by Michael Polanyi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/19e/michael-polanyi-17316_communication_i-shall-suggest-on-the-contrary-that-all_2098990.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/19e/michael-polanyi-17316_communication_i-shall-suggest-on-the-contrary-that-all_2098990.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/19e/michael-polanyi-17316_communication_i-shall-suggest-on-the-contrary-that-all_2098990.jpg) > “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.” [Michael Polanyi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-polanyi/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feelings/) [Intellectual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intellectual/) [Knowledge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knowledge/) [Process](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/process/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) ## Related quotes > [Shall I tell you what knowledge is? It is to know both what one knows and what one does not know.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/shall-i-tell-you-what-knowledge-is-it-is-to-know-both-what-one-knows/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [The best part about getting over the one who left you is being able to expand your knowledge in the mental state. 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