Checks Quote by Leo Tolstoy
“Man must not check his reason by tradition, but, contrariwise, must check tradition by reason.”
About This Quote
Reason should evaluate tradition, not the reverse; tradition must be justified by rational thought.
In simple terms: Check tradition with reason, not reason with tradition.
Key Takeaway
Question traditions with logic.
Themes
reason
tradition
critical thinking
Mood
analytical
curious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal reforms
- cultural practices
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What traditions have you examined critically?
- When is tradition worth preserving despite irrationality?
A Different Perspective
Traditions may hold value beyond rational analysis.
![“When the fountains of government [borrowing] abundance began to dry up, when through lack of funds and the impossibility of negotiating fresh loans the state was forced to check the extension of bureaucracy and to put a stop to public works, then and then only did the Italians realize what it…” quote by John T. Flynn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/908/john-t-flynn-18493_abundance_when-the-fountains-of-government-borrowi_2663.jpg)
