The quote from Barry Schwartz's "The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less" highlights a significant phenomenon in decision-making processes. When individuals face challenges in gathering information, they often feel compelled to depend on the judgments and choices of others. This reliance can arise due to the overwhelming need for guidance when faced with complex or unclear situations, leading to a diminished sense of control over personal decisions.

This concept underscores the paradox of choice, where an abundance of options can lead to confusion and anxiety, ultimately encouraging people to default to others' recommendations instead of making their own informed choices. In such cases, the pursuit of acquiring knowledge becomes daunting, prompting individuals to capitulate to external influences rather than engaging deeply with their decisions.