--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When you're sure of what you're looking…" description: "\"When you're sure of what you're looking at, look harder.\" — Richard Powers" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/629/richard-powers-8111_harder_when-you-re-sure-of-what-you-re-looking_2072262.jpg" --- # When you're sure of what you're looking at, look harder. ![“When you're sure of what you're looking at, look harder.” quote by Richard Powers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/629/richard-powers-8111_harder_when-you-re-sure-of-what-you-re-looking_2072262.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/629/richard-powers-8111_harder_when-you-re-sure-of-what-you-re-looking_2072262.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/629/richard-powers-8111_harder_when-you-re-sure-of-what-you-re-looking_2072262.jpg) > “When you're sure of what you're looking at, look harder.” [Richard Powers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-powers/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. When confident about an observation, intensify scrutiny to uncover deeper truth. **In simple terms:** Look harder when you think you understand. Key Takeaway Question assumptions even when sure. Themes perception critical thinking analysis Mood curious analytical Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - research - problem solving - decision making Key Concepts cognitive bias depth of inquiry Questions to Reflect On - What might you be missing despite confidence? - How can you test the robustness of your belief? A Different Perspective Overconfidence can blind you to nuance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet ## Related quotes > [“Once you know something can be found you look that much harder for it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vaughn-heppner/once-you-know-something-can-be-found-you-look-that-much-harder-for-it/) [Vaughn Heppner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vaughn-heppner/) > [The thing that sometimes gets lost is people look at the harder edge of me ... the leather jacket and the tough rock 'n'…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joan-jett/the-thing-that-sometimes-gets-lost-is-people-look-at-the-harder-edge/) [Joan Jett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joan-jett/) > [“Little Red Riding Hood sure is looking good.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/trista-jaszczak/little-red-riding-hood-sure-is-looking-good/) Trista Jaszczak > [I'm 29 years-old and, sure, I'm looking to find a wife,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tyson-gay/i-m-29-years-old-and-sure-i-m-looking-to-find-a-wife/) [Tyson Gay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tyson-gay/) > [I want make sure that I'm always looking good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/breanna-stewart/i-want-make-sure-that-i-m-always-looking-good/) [Breanna Stewart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/breanna-stewart/) > [MARRIAGE, SUCCESSFUL, is best assured when, instead of looking at each other, the two look out in the same direction;](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nikhil-saluja/marriage-successful-is-best-assured-when-instead-of-looking-at-each/) [Nikhil Saluja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nikhil-saluja/) > [“What are you looking for?” The look he gave her pinned her to the spot. “You.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/savannah-stuart/what-are-you-looking-for-the-look-he-gave-her-pinned-her-to-the-spot/) [Savannah Stuart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/savannah-stuart/) > [I want you to see that I'm looking. 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