The history of acceptance of new theories frequently shows the following steps: At first the new idea is treated as pure nonsense, not worth looking at. Then comes a time when a multitude of contradictory objections are raised, such as: the new theory is too fancy, or merely a new terminology; it is not fruitful, or simply wrong. Finally a state is reached when everyone seems to claim that he had always followed this theory. This usually marks the last state before general acceptance.

Kurt Lewin

Categorized in : Ideas Science Acceptance

Learning is more effective when it is an active rather than a pas... by Kurt Lewin

Learning is more effective when it is an active rather than a passive process.

effectiveness learning process

If you want truly to understand something, try to change it. by Kurt Lewin

If you want truly to understand something, try to change it.

understanding business change

No research without action, no action without research. by Kurt Lewin

No research without action, no action without research.

research action

There is nothing so practical as a good theory. by Kurt Lewin

There is nothing so practical as a good theory.

practicality practicals theory

A successful individual typically sets his next goal somewhat, but not too much, above his last achievement.

goal successful time

The American culture ideal of the "self-made-man," of everyone "standing on his own feet" seemed as tragic a picture as the initiative-destroying dependence on a benevolent despot. He felt and perceived clearly that we all need continuous help from each other, and that this type of interdependence is the greatest challenge to maturity of individual and group functioning.

maturity self men

Experience alone does not create knowledge. by Kurt Lewin

Experience alone does not create knowledge.

Every psychological event depends upon the state of the person and at the same time on the environment, although their relative importance is different in different cases

environment events different

When we are young we are like a flowing river - and then we freez... by Kurt Lewin

When we are young we are like a flowing river - and then we freeze.

young rivers culture

If you want to learn about an organization, try to change it. by Kurt Lewin

If you want to learn about an organization, try to change it.

organization want trying

Social action, just like physical action, is steered by perceptio... by Kurt Lewin

Social action, just like physical action, is steered by perception.

perception social action

Fortunately I experienced Max Wertheimer's teaching in Berlin and collaborated for over a decade with Wolfgang Köhler. I need not emphasize my debts to these outstanding personalities. The fundamental ideas of Gestalt theory are the foundation of all our investigations in the field of the will, of affection, and of the personality.

teaching science ideas

A successful individual typically sets his next goal somewhat but not too much above his last achievement. In this way he steadily raises his level of aspiration.

If you want to truly understand something, try to change it. by Kurt Lewin

If you want to truly understand something, try to change it.

try understand you change