If one knows only what one is told, one does not know enough to be able to arrive at a well-balanced decision.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Relying solely on secondhand information prevents forming balanced decisions.
- In plain terms
- You need more than just what others tell you to decide well.
- What can you take from it?
- Seek diverse sources before deciding.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where else can you get information beyond what you're told?
- How do you verify what you hear?
Another view
Sometimes secondhand information is the only practical option.
More from Leo Szilard
If you want to succeed in the world, you don't have to be much cleverer than other people. You just have to be one day earlier.
Permalink to quote #11 I'm all in favor of the democratic principle that one idiot is as good as one genius, but I draw the line when someone takes the next step and concludes that t…
Permalink to quote #10 Don't lie if you don't have to.
Permalink to quote #9
Related quotes
I couldn't do them if I didn't know horses lived behind them.
Charles KeepingCharles Keeping quote #1 Think deep and judge well
Koichi ToheiKoichi Tohei quote #13 'This next song goes out to those who still believe that there is an american dream. And still believe that within that dream there is something called freedom…
Zack de la RochaZack de la Rocha quote #16