Maslow's Hammer

Maslow's Hammer, often summarized as "if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail," is a metaphor for cognitive bias. It suggests that people tend to rely on familiar tools, skills, or solutions when approaching problems, even if those may not be the best fit. This can lead to a narrow perspective, as one might apply a familiar method out of habit rather than suitability. Recognizing this bias encourages openness to diverse approaches and more thoughtful problem-solving, rather than defaulting to one familiar tool regardless of the situation.