There is a presumption in favor of every existing…
““There is a presumption in favor of every existing institution. Many of these (we will suppose the majority) may be susceptible of alteration for the better; but still the "Burden of proof" lies with him who proposes an alteration; simply, on the ground that since a change is not a good in itself, he who demands a change should show cause for it. No one is called on . . . to defend an existing institution, till some argument is adduced against it; and that argument ought in fairness to prove, not merely an actual inconvenience, but the possibility of a change for the better.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Institutions are presumed valid until proven otherwise; burden of proof lies on change proposers.
In simple terms: Presume institutions are valid; challengers must prove better alternatives.
Key Takeaway
Require evidence before altering systems.
Themes
institutional inertia
burden of proof
change management
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
argument:1
change:1
change for the better:1
debate:1
innocent-until-proven-guilty:0
presumption:1
rhetoric:0
demands change:1
presumption favor:0
proposes alteration:1
When to use this quote
- status quo bias
- lack of evidence
Key Concepts
policy reform
organizational change
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would convince you to support change?
- How do you balance tradition with innovation?
A Different Perspective
Change proposals need solid justification.