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About this quote

What does it mean?
This warns that relying on a single method limits your perception of available solutions.
In plain terms
If you only have one tool, you see every problem as something that tool can fix.
What can you take from it?
Diversify your skills to solve problems better.

Where it applies

  • technical work
  • management
  • daily decisions

Putting it to work

  • learn new methods
  • seek diverse input
  • avoid rigid thinking

Questions to consider

  • What tools are you ignoring?
  • How does your toolkit shape your view?

Another view

Sometimes specialized tools are indeed the most efficient choice.

More from Abraham Maslow

  1. You will either step forward into growth, or you will step backward into safety

    Permalink to quote #12
  2. Laugh at what you hold sacred, and still hold it sacred.

    Permalink to quote #11
  3. What shall we think of a well-adjusted slave?

    Permalink to quote #10

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