It is one thing to wish to have truth on our side, and another to wish sincerely to be on the side of truth.
Richard WhatelyRead
To follow imperfect, uncertain, or corrupted traditions, in order to avoid erring in our own judgment, is but to exchange one danger for another.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Blindly adhering to flawed traditions to avoid personal judgment can lead to worse consequences.
This quote by Richard Whately emphasizes the dangers of relying on imperfect or corrupted traditions in decision-making. Instead of trusting oneβs own judgment, individuals may choose to follow these traditions to avoid the risk of making mistakes, but this can actually lead to substituting one risk for another, potentially worse one, suggesting that critical thinking is essential when navigating beliefs and practices.
Themes
TraditionJudgmentDecision-MakingRiskCritical Thinking
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on the importance of innovation over tradition in business.
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He who is not aware of his ignorance will be only misled by his knowledge.
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