One phrase I would dearly like to consign to the can is 'Out of the Box.' The thinking that told us we should invade Iraq and that house prices never decline may have been out of the box, but it put us into the ditch. We have been badly misled by people who persuaded us that they understood things we didn't.
This quote critically examines our tendency to adopt unconventional or 'out-of-the-box' ideas without fully considering the consequences. It highlights how such thinking can lead to catastrophic decisions, like the invasion of Iraq or unrealistic financial forecasts. The author implies that challenging conventional wisdom is necessary, but it must be backed by sound understanding and critical evaluation rather than simplistic slogans. Recognizing the limits of our knowledge and the dangers of blind adherence to trendy ideas is crucial to avoid pitfalls and make informed decisions.
