Looking Quote by Nikolai Chernyshevsky
““Isn’t that always the way it is: if a person’s inclined to look for something, he finds it wherever he looks. Even if there’s no trace of it at all, he still finds clear evidence. Even if there’s not even a shadow, still he sees not only a shadow of what he’s looking for but everything he’s looking for. He sees it in the most unmistakable terms, and these terms become clearer with each new glance and every new thought.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: What Is to Be Done? by Nikolai Chernyshevsky, 1863
The mind seeks evidence for its desires, interpreting ambiguous data as confirmation of what it wants.
In simple terms: We find proof of what we want.
Key Takeaway
Recognize bias in your observations.
Themes
perception
bias
desire
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research
- decision making
- creative brainstorming
- problem solving
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Cognitive bias
confirmation bias
subjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify your assumptions?
- When did you misread a situation?
A Different Perspective
Over‑interpretation can lead to false conclusions.
