Boston Quote by Sam Walter Foss
“A hundred thousand men were led By one calf near three centuries dead; They followed still his crooked way And lost a hundred years a day; For thus such reverence is lent To well established precedent.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Calf" (date unknown)
Blind devotion to outdated authority can waste time and cause loss, as following a dead precedent leads to stagnation.
In simple terms: Following dead ideas wastes time.
Key Takeaway
Question and update old beliefs.
Themes
critical thinking
history
authority
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education reform
- organizational change
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
tradition
stagnation
loss of progress
Questions to Reflect On
- What traditions deserve reexamination?
- How can you honor useful past while innovating?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the value of some traditions that still serve.
![“It was when Boston invited us to do a parade one November, and I was the only [Star Wars] cast member skeptical of the willingness of people to come out to see us five actors drive by in antique cars in the Boston rain. Well, it was the first time I really understood the show's popularity.” quote by John Ratzenberger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/098/john-ratzenberger-11869_actors_it-was-when-boston-invited-us-to-do-a-pa_67396.jpg)
