Habits Quote by Thucydides
““and their judgment was based more upon blind wishing than upon any sound prediction; for it is a habit of mankind to entrust to careless hope what they long for, and to use sovereign reason to thrust aside what they do not desire.””
About This Quote
Source Historical Text: History of the Peloponnesian War, 5th century BC
People often rely on wishful thinking rather than rational forecasts, a common human flaw.
In simple terms: Wishful thinking overrides sound prediction.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions and seek evidence.
Themes
human nature
prediction
bias
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Policy planning
- financial forecasting
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
Cognitive bias
hope
rationality
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports your predictions?
- How do you balance hope and data?
A Different Perspective
Hope can motivate but also mislead.
