"To say that a thing has never yet been done among men is to erect a barrier stronger than reason, stronger than discussion"

In this quote, Thomas Brackett Reed is highlighting the power of human perception and the limitations it can develop. He suggests that when we declare something as never having been done before, we are basically creating a psychological barrier that avoids us from exploring brand-new possibilities. This barrier is stronger than reason and conversation since it is based upon our own beliefs and predispositions, instead of unbiased analysis. Reed is advising us to challenge these barriers and push beyond what we think is possible, in order to achieve progress and innovation. He reminds us that our perceptions can be restricting, and it is just by breaking through them that we can genuinely reach our full capacity.