“An idea is always a generalization, and generalization is a property of thinking. To generalize means to think.”

Simplified Meaning:

When we come up with an idea, it is often a broad way of understanding something, not just something specific. This process of making broad statements or putting things in categories is a part of how we think. For example, if someone has experienced that every time they go to the park, they see people walking dogs, they might generalize and say, "People take their dogs to the park." This doesn't mean everyone does, but it's a big-picture idea based on their experiences. Generalizing helps us make sense of the world by connecting many small details into one bigger thought. It's like saying, "Birds can fly," even if we know some birds, like penguins, can't fly. This ability to generalize can help us understand new situations based on what we've seen before. So, if you notice a pattern in your life, you can use that pattern to make decisions or understand situations. This is how our minds work to simplify and manage the complex world around us.