Adept Quote by Michael Shermer
“Humans are, by nature, pattern-seeking, storytelling animals, and we are quite adept at telling stories about patterns whether they exist or not.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Believing Brain, 2011
Humans naturally seek patterns and craft stories, even when patterns are illusory.
In simple terms: We create stories about patterns, real or imagined.
Key Takeaway
Question narratives and seek evidence.
Themes
cognition
storytelling
pattern recognition
bias
Mood
inquisitive
educational
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- media literacy
- education
- decision making
Key Concepts
apophenia
narrative construction
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify a pattern before believing it?
- What role do stories play in shaping perception?
A Different Perspective
Stories can reinforce false beliefs and bias.
