Respectability is a very good thing in its way, but it…
“Respectability is a very good thing in its way, but it does not rise superior to all considerations. I would not for a moment venture to hint that it was a matter of taste; but I think I will go as far as this: that if a position is admittedly unkind, uncomfortable, unnecessary, and superfluously useless, although it were as respectableasthe Church of England, the sooner a man is out of it, the better for himself, and all concerned.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Respectability is valuable but should not outweigh practicality; useless or harmful traditions should be abandoned for the greater good.
In simple terms: Respectability isn’t everything; drop useless traditions.
Key Takeaway
Question tradition when it harms.
Themes
ethics
tradition
pragmatism
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
aphilosophical
advisory
When to use this quote
- personal decisions
- organizational policy
- cultural reform
Key Concepts
critical thinking
social norms
individual welfare
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you challenge a respected norm?
- How to balance respect and practicality?
A Different Perspective
Changing deeply held traditions can face strong resistance.