About this quote

Human psychology handles panic much faster than it processes quiet, constructive facts. We eagerly pass along rumors and disasters because drama triggers an instant chemical reaction in our brains. Notice how quickly a rumor about layoffs sweeps through your office before management even schedules a meeting. Can you learn to pause before hitting send on that juicy piece of gossip? Slowing down the transmission of panic is a quiet superpower in a world addicted to instant updates.

When to use it

• Hearing about a sudden project cancellation through office gossip before the manager even schedules the announcement meeting. 'I haven't received the official email yet, but my inbox is already flooded with panic. Bad news really does obey its own physics.'
• Dealing with a neighborhood rumor that spreads to every house on the block within an hour of a minor incident. 'We spent months trying to get people to RSVP to the block party, but everyone knew about the broken mailbox before the mail carrier even left.'
• Realizing a star player's minor injury is trending on social media before the team doctor has finished the physical exam. 'We tried to keep his sprain quiet, but the opposing team's coach already called to ask about it before we even left the locker room.'