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Confuse Quote by Thomas Schelling

“There is a tendency in our planning to confuse the unfamiliar with the improbable.” quote by Thomas Schelling
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“There is a tendency in our planning to confuse the unfamiliar with the improbable.”

Thomas Schelling

About This Quote

Source Book: The Strategy of Conflict, 1960

People often mistake unfamiliarity for improbability in planning.

In simple terms: Unknown ≠ unlikely.

Key Takeaway

Challenge assumptions about novelty.

Themes

planning uncertainty bias decision making risk assessment

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

strategic educational

When to use this quote

  • policy design
  • business strategy
  • risk management
  • education

Key Concepts

cognitive bias probability strategic thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you test assumptions about new scenarios?
  • What methods reduce bias in planning?
A Different Perspective

Overconfidence in familiarity can lead to errors.

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