"Quite a few people have to believe something is normal before it becomes normal - a sort of 'voting' situation. But once the threshold is reached, then everyone demands to do whatever it is"
- Alan Kay
About this Quote
The quote by Alan Kay highlights the social dynamics of what makes up normalcy within a community or society. Kay recommends that the perception of what is "normal" is not an objective truth however a social construct, which frequently requires a critical mass of people to embrace specific beliefs or habits before they are thought about mainstream or typical. This procedure is compared to a "voting" scenario, where the cumulative endorsement by a significant variety of people figures out the approval of a standard.
Initially, when an originality or habits emerges, it is typically on the fringes and requires advocacy by a few early adopters or influencers. These individuals play a crucial function in legitimizing and promoting the concept. As more people begin to embrace the habits or belief, it acquires momentum and begins to shift from fringe to mainstream. Kay's use of the term "threshold" suggests a tipping point-- a crucial point where the accumulation of specific endorsements transforms the understanding of the standard from unconventional to traditional.
As soon as this threshold is crossed, the habits or belief can quickly end up being the requirement or default expectation. This transformation can frequently cause a situation where the formerly unconventional belief is commonly adopted to the point that not adhering to it ends up being the brand-new anomaly.
The quote encapsulates the power of social impact and cumulative behavior in forming societal standards. It highlights the importance of understanding that norms are fluid and subject to alter based on cumulative beliefs and behaviors. Furthermore, it recommends that modification is possible and frequently unavoidable when enough individuals coalesce around an originality. The quote can also be used to explain how cultural shifts take place gradually, highlighting the concept that what is accepted as "regular" is dynamic and subject to the forces of collective human interaction and arrangement.
This quote is written / told by Alan Kay somewhere between May 17, 1940 and today. He was a famous Scientist from USA.
The author also have 5 other quotes.