Stories derived from availability

This statement suggests that explanations are simply narratives created based on the information that is readily available to us.

The statement highlights the idea that when we try to explain a situation or phenomenon, we often rely on information that is easily accessible to us or comes to our mind quickly. This concept is influenced by the “availability heuristic,” which is a mental shortcut that we use to make judgments and decisions based on how easily examples come to mind.

For instance, if we’re asked to explain why something happened, we’re likely to use examples or evidence that we can recall easily, rather than searching for all possible sources of information. These explanations might not always be the most accurate or comprehensive, but they help us make sense of the situation given our limited knowledge and cognitive resources.

Moreover, explanations are often influenced by our personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and biases.