Imagination Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“The moment a person forms a theory, his imagination sees in every object only the traits which favor that theory.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 1795
Theory biases perception, causing one to see only supporting details.
In simple terms: Ideas filter what we notice.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge personal biases.
Themes
perception
theory
bias
critical thinking
objectivity
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- research
- decision making
- education
- media consumption
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
confirmation bias
scientific method
Questions to Reflect On
- What theories shape your view?
- How do you test your assumptions?
A Different Perspective
Bias can blind us to contradictory evidence.
![“[The camera] may be said to make a picture of whatever it sees, the object glass is the eye of the instrument - the sensitive paper may be compared to the retina.” quote by Henry Fox Talbot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac1/henry-fox-talbot-65831_cameras_the-camera-may-be-said-to-make-a-picture_1636598.jpg)
![“[States and the Federal government are] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch of the same government.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/401/thomas-jefferson-43_branches_states-and-the-federal-government-are-co_2619.jpg)
![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
