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To follow imperfect, uncertain, or corrupted traditions, in order to avoid erring in our own judgment, is but to exchange one danger for another.
Richard Whately
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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 one’s 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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