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
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.
In practice
During a discussion on the importance of innovation over tradition in business.
It is one thing to wish to have truth on our side, and another to wish sincerely to be on the side of truth.
A man who gives his children habits of industry provides for them better than by giving them fortune.
He who is not aware of his ignorance will be only misled by his knowledge.
I wanted pure love: foolishness; to love one another is to hate a common enemy: I will thus espouse your hatred. I wanted Good: nonsense; on this earth and in these times, Good and Bad are inseparable: I accept to be evil in order to become good.
What is the purpose of life?...To be the eyes and ears and conscience of the Creator of the Universe, you fool!
The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line: the relation of the darker to the lighter races of men in Asia and Africa, in America and the islands of the sea.
The Devil has the broadest perspectives for God; therefore, he keeps so far away from God -- the Devil being the most ancient friend of wisdom
Since trade ignores national boundaries and the manufacturer insists on having the world as a market, the flag of his nation must follow him, and the doors of the nations which are closed against him must be battered down. Concessions obtained by financiers must be safeguarded by ministers of state, even if the sovereignty of unwilling nations be outraged in the process. Colonies must be obtained or planted, in order that no useful corner of the world may be overlooked or left unused.
I don't mind what happens. That is the essence of inner freedom. _x000D_ _x000D_ It is a timeless spiritual truth: release attachment to outcomes, _x000D_ _x000D_ deep inside yourself, you'll feel good no matter what.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.