Human brain Quote by Thomas Hardy
““ideas are so elastic in a human brain, that they have no constant measure which may be called their actual bulk. Any important idea may be compressed to a molecule by an unwonted crowding of others; and any small idea will expand to whatever length and breadth of vacuum the mind may be able to make over to it.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy, 1891
Ideas expand or compress depending on how many other thoughts surround them, showing that mental concepts are fluid and context‑driven.
In simple terms: Ideas change size with surrounding thoughts.
Key Takeaway
Consider context when shaping ideas.
Themes
cognition
flexibility
ideas
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing
- brainstorming
- teaching
- problem solving
Key Concepts
Mental elasticity
contextual influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does surrounding information affect your concept?
- Can you deliberately expand a small idea?
A Different Perspective
Ideas can become distorted if forced into too tight a framework.
