--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The short answer is no. But it’s a “no”…" description: "\"“The short answer is no. But it’s a “no” with an asterisk, a “no” in need of elaboration—and, since the elaboration is a bit arcane, I’ve relegated it ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b6/robert-wright-8640_argument_the-short-answer-is-no-but-it-s-a-no-wit_2230731.jpg" --- # The short answer is no. But it’s a “no” with an asterisk… ![“The short answer is no. But it’s a “no” with an asterisk, a “no” in need of elaboration—and, since the elaboration is a bit arcane, I’ve relegated it to an online appendix. 1 It’s recommended reading, because if you buy the argument it may radically alter your view of the world. But for now the…” quote by Robert Wright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b6/robert-wright-8640_argument_the-short-answer-is-no-but-it-s-a-no-wit_2230731.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b6/robert-wright-8640_argument_the-short-answer-is-no-but-it-s-a-no-wit_2230731.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b6/robert-wright-8640_argument_the-short-answer-is-no-but-it-s-a-no-wit_2230731.jpg) > ““The short answer is no. But it’s a “no” with an asterisk, a “no” in need of elaboration—and, since the elaboration is a bit arcane, I’ve relegated it to an online appendix. 1 It’s recommended reading, because if you buy the argument it may radically alter your view of the world. But for now the point is just that the ability to intimately comprehend someone’s motivation—to share their experience virtually, and know it from the inside—depends on a moral imagination that naturally contracts in the case of people we consider rivals or enemies”” [Robert Wright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-wright/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Understanding others’ motives requires a moral imagination that shrinks toward rivals and enemies, limiting empathy. **In simple terms:** Empathy shrinks for rivals. Key Takeaway Cultivate empathy even for opponents. Themes empathy morality conflict psychology Mood reflective thoughtful Type analytical philosophical When to use this quote - political debate - personal relationships - conflict resolution - leadership training Key Concepts theory of mind in-group bias ethical imagination Questions to Reflect On - How can you practice moral imagination toward an opponent? - What habits reduce in-group bias? 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But it’s a “no” with an asterisk, a “no” in need of elaboration—and, since the elaboration is a bit arcane, I’ve relegated it to an online appendix. 1 It’s recommended reading, because if you buy the argument it may radically alter your view of the world. 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