Nobody reads the disclosures that roll down your computer screen. You click 'I agree' but you don't know what you're agreeing to.
Nassim Nicholas TalebRead
When you develop your opinions on the basis of weak evidence, you will have difficulty interpreting subsequent information that contradicts these opinions, even if this new information is obviously more accurate.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Forming opinions based on insufficient evidence can hinder your ability to accept more accurate information later.
This quote by Nassim Nicholas Taleb emphasizes the importance of forming well-founded opinions based on strong evidence. When opinions are based on weak or flimsy evidence, individuals become resistant to accepting new information that contradicts those opinions, even when that information is clearly more reliable. This highlights the cognitive bias that occurs when people cling to their beliefs despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, ultimately impacting our understanding of the truth.
Themes
OpinionsEvidenceInformationCognitive BiasTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about climate change, you might use this quote to highlight the importance of relying on substantial evidence rather than rumors.
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