Skip to content

Awareness Quote by Valerie Tarico

“We humans are prone to err, and to err systematically, outrageously, and with utter confidence. We are also prone to hold our mistaken notions dear, protecting and nourishing them like our own children. We defend them at great cost. We surround ourselves with safe people, people who will…” quote by Valerie Tarico
Download Open image
““We humans are prone to err, and to err systematically, outrageously, and with utter confidence. We are also prone to hold our mistaken notions dear, protecting and nourishing them like our own children. We defend them at great cost. We surround ourselves with safe people, people who will appreciate our cherished views. We avoid those who suggest that our exalted ideas, our little emperors, have no clothes.””

Valerie Tarico

About This Quote

Source Essay: Cognitive Biases in Modern Thought, 2022

Humans cling to mistaken beliefs, defending them fiercely, often surrounded by echo chambers.

In simple terms: People protect wrong ideas like children.

Key Takeaway

Question your own assumptions.

Themes

bias self‑deception groupthink

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • political debate
  • scientific research
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

psychology social influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What belief have you defended despite evidence?
  • How can you create safe spaces for challenging ideas?
A Different Perspective

Changing deep‑seated beliefs is difficult.

3.9 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Valerie Tarico

Explore all 3 Valerie Tarico quotes

More Awareness quotes

Browse all 4,770 Awareness quotes