" We don’t look at problems logically, we look at them emotionally. We look at them through the guts. We look at them as if we’re doing a high school problem, like what is beautiful, what makes me recognized among my peers. We don’t go and think about things. We, as a society, don’t wish to engage in rational thought. "
- Sebastian Thrun

This quote emphasizes that people often approach challenges and issues with their emotions rather than a rational or analytical mindset. It suggests that instead of considering problems logically, individuals tend to evaluate them based on personal feelings and desires, much like how they might think about what makes something beautiful or how it impacts their social standing among friends.

The deeper meaning delves into the broader societal tendency to prioritize emotional responses over objective reasoning. Sebastian Thrun argues that this approach can be problematic because it often leads people to avoid engaging in critical thinking or logical analysis. He implies that by focusing on emotions and personal recognition, society may miss out on understanding issues more thoroughly and addressing them effectively. This perspective highlights a potential gap between how individuals perceive problems emotionally and the need for rational thought to solve complex challenges.

Sebastian Thrun is an entrepreneur and academic known for his work in artificial intelligence and education technology. He founded Google X (now part of Alphabet Inc.), where he led projects such as self-driving cars, and was also the founder of Udacity, a company that provides online learning platforms focused on technical skills and higher education courses. Thrun's insights often reflect his experience in both technological innovation and educational reform, emphasizing practical approaches to problem-solving and knowledge acquisition.