Nothing is more dangerous in practice, than an obstinate…
“Nothing is more dangerous in practice, than an obstinate, unbending adherence to a system, particularly in its application to the wants and errors of mankind.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote warns that rigidly following a system, especially when it ignores human flaws, can be more harmful than the system itself.
In simple terms: Blind adherence to a flawed system is dangerous.
Remain flexible and critical of institutional rules.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- government regulation
- organizational design
- public policy
- ethical review
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is strict adherence necessary?
- How can we balance flexibility with consistency?
The claim may underestimate the benefits of stable frameworks.