Custom is a violent and treacherous school mistress. She…
“Custom is a violent and treacherous school mistress. She, by little and lithe, slyly and unperceived, slips in the foot of her authority; but having by this gentle and humble beginning, with the benefit of time, fixed and established it, she then unmasks a furious and tyrannic countenance, against which we have no more the courage or the power so much as to lift up our eyes.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Custom starts subtly, then entrenches power, becoming oppressive and hard to challenge.
In simple terms: Custom can become tyrannical over time.
Key Takeaway
Question and reform harmful customs.
Themes
custom
power
authority
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- politics
- education
- family traditions
Key Concepts
social conditioning
institutional inertia
Questions to Reflect On
- What customs limit you?
- How can you gently reform them?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep-rooted customs is difficult and may meet resistance.