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Thomas Gilovich Quotes

When examining evidence relevant to a given belief, people are inclined to see what they expect to see, and conclude what they expect to conclude. Information that is consistent with our pre-existing beliefs is often

When examining evidence relevant to a given belief, people are inclined to see what they expect to see, and conclude what they expect to conclude. Information that is consistent with our pre-existing beliefs is often accepted at face value, whereas evidence that contradicts them is critically scrutinized and discounted. Our beliefs may thus be less responsive than they should to the implications of new information

Thomas Gilovich
People, Mind, May
Thomas Gilovich (2008). “How We Know What Isn't So”, p.50, Simon and Schuster

People will always prefer black-and-white over shades of grey, and so there will always be the temptation to hold overly-simplified beliefs and to hold them with excessive confidence

Thomas Gilovich
Black And White, People, Temptation
Thomas Gilovich (2008). “How We Know What Isn't So”, p.186, Simon and Schuster

We are the sum total of our experiences.

Thomas Gilovich
"The Science Of Why You Should Spend Your Money On Experiences, Not Things" by Jay Cassano, www.fastcompany.com. March 30, 2015.

What we believe is heavily influenced by what we think others believe

Thomas Gilovich
Believe, Thinking, Human Behavior
Thomas Gilovich (2008). “How We Know What Isn't So”, p.112, Simon and Schuster

We seek opinions that are likely to support what we want to be true.

Thomas Gilovich
Family, True Friend, Support
Thomas Gilovich (2008). “How We Know What Isn't So”, p.82, Simon and Schuster

For desired conclusions, we ask ourselves, “Can I believe this?”, but for unpalatable conclusions we ask, “Must I believe this?

Thomas Gilovich
Believe, I Believe, Conclusion
Thomas Gilovich (2008). “How We Know What Isn't So”, p.84, Simon and Schuster

When we do cross paths with people whose beliefs and attitudes conflict with our own, we are rarely challenged.

Thomas Gilovich
Attitude, People, Path
Thomas Gilovich (2008). “How We Know What Isn't So”, p.118, Simon and Schuster

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