One should proceed with caution. We may simply not be wise enough to do some of the kinds of engineering things that people are talking about doing.
Leon KassRead
We should never rush into folly just because other nations are practicing it.
Interpretation
The quote advises against blindly following the actions of others, especially if they are unwise.
Leon Kass emphasizes the importance of independent thought and caution when it comes to decisions, particularly in the context of societal trends. He warns that just because other nations are engaging in unwise practices, it doesn't mean we should follow suit; instead, we should critically evaluate our own actions and their potential consequences.
In practice
This quote could be shared during a discussion on political trends at a community meeting to highlight the importance of independent thought.
One should proceed with caution. We may simply not be wise enough to do some of the kinds of engineering things that people are talking about doing.
There's an ancient tension between wanting to savor the world as it is and wanting to improve on the world as given.
As bad as it might be to destroy a creature made in God's image, it might be very much worse to be creating them after images of one's own.
It's a short step from the belief that every child should be wanted to the belief that a child exists to satisfy our wants.
Sexuality itself means mortality - equally for both man and woman.
Human life without death would be something other than human; consciousness of mortality gives rise to out deepest longings and greatest accomplishments.
One of the advantages of being disorganized is the joy of discovery.
Stop short of your appetite; eat less than you are able.
When you go on your Twitter or look down your Timeline and it's all great positivity - I love that. But at the same time, it can really divert you from what your purpose is or what you're trying to do. And I've seen artists get caught up in that.
A man who views the world the same at fifty as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life.
Discretion of speech is more than eloquence, and to speak agreeably to him with whom we deal is more than to speak in good words, or in good order.
My failures may be my greatest successes. It is in failure that I have often drawn closer to God, learn to depend more on Him than myself, gained self-knowledge, and seen things in their right perspective.
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