This is a famous quote by Abraham Maslow which refers to a concept commonly known as the ‘law of instrument’ or Maslow’s Hammer. It refers to an over-reliance on a familiar or favourite tool. While such tools can be very useful at times, over-reliance can result in approaching problems in ways that are not always helpful or even destructive.
In psychological terms, this might involve relying on the same coping mechanisms when faced with certain problems, rather than using new solutions. This over-reliance can often maintain psychological difficulties and inhibit processes of change.
It is important to learn different and new ways of thinking and behaving when facing recurring challenges. Learning these techniques forms a fundamental aspect of psychological therapy, and helps individuals to identify factors that are maintaining their difficulties and to develop new ways of responding to them.
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