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About this quote

What does it mean?
Complex people cannot be reduced to a single phrase like 'what makes him tick'.
In plain terms
People are too complex for simple labels.
What can you take from it?
Avoid simplifying human nature too much.

Where it applies

  • psychology
  • workplace management
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • avoid cliches about people
  • embrace complexity

Questions to consider

  • What cliches do you use for people?
  • How complex is a human being?

Another view

It does not address how to communicate effectively despite complexity.

More from James Thurber

  1. I hate women because they always know where things are.

    Permalink to quote #66
  2. I think that maybe if women and children were in charge we would get somewhere.

    Permalink to quote #68
  3. Hundreds of hysterical persons must confuse these phenomena with messages from the beyond and take their glory to the bishop rather than the eye doctor.

    Permalink to quote #65

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