--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The mind, in short, works on the data it…" description: "\"The mind, in short, works on the data it receives very much as a sculptor works on his block of stone. In a sense the statue stoodthere from eternity. ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/daa/william-james-228_artist_the-mind-in-short-works-on-the-data-it-r_2956871.png" --- # The mind, in short, works on the data it receives very… ![“The mind, in short, works on the data it receives very much as a sculptor works on his block of stone. In a sense the statue stoodthere from eternity. But there were a thousand different ones beside it, and the sculptor alone is to thank for having extricated this one from the rest.” quote by William James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/daa/william-james-228_artist_the-mind-in-short-works-on-the-data-it-r_2956871.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/daa/william-james-228_artist_the-mind-in-short-works-on-the-data-it-r_2956871.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/daa/william-james-228_artist_the-mind-in-short-works-on-the-data-it-r_2956871.png) > “The mind, in short, works on the data it receives very much as a sculptor works on his block of stone. In a sense the statue stoodthere from eternity. But there were a thousand different ones beside it, and the sculptor alone is to thank for having extricated this one from the rest.” [William James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-james/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Our mind shapes reality based on input, like a sculptor shaping stone, highlighting the power of perception. **In simple terms:** Mind shapes reality like a sculptor. Key Takeaway Cultivate positive inputs to shape perception. Themes perception mind creativity Mood thoughtful inspirational Type philosophical psychological When to use this quote - learning - media consumption - personal development - therapy Key Concepts cognitive psychology subjectivity Questions to Reflect On - What inputs shape your worldview? - How can you reshape negative perceptions? 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