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The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer.
Edward R. Murrow
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Understanding complex ideas often takes time, while obvious truths can be overlooked.

This quote by Edward R. Murrow suggests that often the truly profound insights are not immediately apparent, requiring careful thought and reflection to grasp. In contrast, while some truths may seem obvious, recognizing and acknowledging them can sometimes take much longer, indicating a deeper layer of understanding that isn't readily accepted.

Themes

UnderstandingTruthInsightPerceptionComplexity

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a motivational speech about the journey of learning.

More from Edward R. Murrow

We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse, and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it, and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.
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Everyone is a prisoner of his own experiences. No one can eliminate prejudices - just recognize them.
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One of the basic troubles with radio and television news is that both instruments have grown up as an incompatible combination of show business, advertising and news. Each of the three is a rather bizarre and demanding profession. And when you get all three under one roof, the dust never settles.
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Speaking of Sir Winston Churchill: He mobilized the English language and sent it into battle.
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We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.
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The speed of communications is wondrous to behold. It is also true that speed can multiply the distribution of information that we know to be untrue.
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Quote by Edward R. Murrow | QuoteProject