To follow foolish precedents, and wink With both our eyes, is easier than to think.
Interpretation
It's easier to accept and follow the actions of others than to engage in critical thinking.
This quote suggests that people often choose to follow established norms or foolish practices without questioning them, as it requires less effort than thinking critically and making informed decisions. Cowper emphasizes the human tendency to take the easier path—blindly following rather than analyzing and understanding the rationale behind actions or beliefs.
In practice
During a team meeting, when discussing why we always follow the same procedure, one might say this quote to encourage critical analysis.
Knowledge, a rude unprofitable mass, the mere materials with which wisdom builds, till smoothed and squared and fitted to its place, does but encumber whom it seems to enrich. Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much; wisdom is humble that he knows no more.
This cabin, Mary, in my sight appears,_x000D_ _x000D_ Built as it has been in our waning years,_x000D_ _x000D_ A rest afforded to our weary feet,_x000D_ _x000D_ Preliminary to - the last retreat.
Strength may wield the ponderous spade, May turn the clod, and wheel the compost home; But elegance, chief grace the garden shows, And most attractive, is the fair result Of thought, the creature of a polished mind.
No wisdom that she may gain by experience and reflection hereafter, will compensate the loss of her present hilarity.
Even in the stifling bosom of the town,_x000D_ _x000D_ A garden, in which nothing thrives, has charms_x000D_ _x000D_ That soothes the rich possessor; much consol'd,_x000D_ _x000D_ That here and there some sprigs of mournful mint,_x000D_ _x000D_ Or nightshade, or valerian, grace the well_x000D_ _x000D_ He cultivates.
Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast, Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa around, And while the bubbling and loud-hissing urn Throws up a steamy column, and the cups That cheer but not inebriate, wait on each, So let us welcome peaceful evening in
A mind at peace, a mind centered and not focused on harming others, is stronger than any physical force in the universe.
The strongest of us are those that are spiritually strong, and a spiritual warrior is one of vulnerability.
The Buddha’s principal message that day was that holding on to anything blocks wisdom. Any conclusion that we draw must be let go. The only way to fully understand the bodhichitta teachings, the only way to practice them fully, is to abide in the unconditional openness of the prajna, patiently cutting through all our tendencies to hang on.
Learn to say no; it will be of more use to you than to be able to read Latin.
Nobody is a real loser-until they start blaming somebody else.
Our brokenness has no other beauty but the beauty that comes from the compassion that surrounds it.
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