Upton Sinclair: His Salary Depends
on Monday, June 8, 2020Upton Sinclair Money Quote saying that if someone is paid to have specific beliefs, then they are unlikely to change their understanding. Upton Sinclair said:
“It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it” — Upton Sinclair
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Upton Sinclair seems to be suggesting that it can be challenging to convince someone of an idea or perspective that may contradict their financial interests or career goals. His quote implies that if a person’s livelihood depends on maintaining a particular viewpoint, they may resist understanding alternative explanations, even if they are factually correct or make logical sense, due to self-preservation instincts.
Sinclair appears to be acknowledging that financial self-interest can undermine objectivity and open-mindedness, as people may cling to beliefs that protect their salary or professional standing regardless of evidence.
His statement recognizes how economic motivations can unintentionally bias comprehension and hinder accepting facts that do not align with one’s monetary well-being.
Birthday: June 21, 1880 – Death: April 16, 1941