Degrees Quote by William Whewell
“We cannot observe external things without some degree of Thought; nor can we reflect upon our Thoughts, without being influenced in the course of our reflection by the Things which we have observed.”
About This Quote
Thoughts are shaped by what we observe; reflection is never completely independent of experience.
In simple terms: Observation influences thinking.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge bias from experience.
Themes
philosophy
epistemology
perception
reflection
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- daily decision making
- creative brainstorming
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
empiricism
Questions to Reflect On
- What observations most shape your ideas?
- Can you separate observation from interpretation?
A Different Perspective
Pure rationality is impossible.
![“We need very much a name to describe a cultivator of science in general. I should incline to call him a scientist. [The first use of the word.]” quote by William Whewell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c81/william-whewell-17887_firsts_we-need-very-much-a-name-to-describe-a-c_609740.jpg)
![“[Photography is ] likewise even French impressionists. So the Sculls bought pop. It was politics, and they moved with it. And I think that could be happening, to some degree, with photography, too. It doesn't cost as much to do it, either.” quote by Garry Winogrand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2eb/garry-winogrand-2342_cost_photography-is-likewise-even-french-impr_2802.jpg)
![“What are you for? It may be, to a degree, consoling that white brothers and sisters did not vote for [Donald] Trump, and do not participate in that brand of animus, that gas-bagging of enormous bigotry.” quote by Michael Eric Dyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/01d/michael-eric-dyson-1424_animus_what-are-you-for-it-may-be-to-a-degree-c_14940.jpg)
