Full Idea
A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do.
Gist of Idea
A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds
Source
Ralph Waldo Emerson (Self-Reliance [1841], p.37)
Book Reference
Emerson,Ralph Waldo: 'Essays (First and Second Series)' [Dent 1906], p.37
A Reaction
A remark to warm the hearts of pragmatists, Wittgensteinians, Nietzscheans and the post-modern mob. But pay careful attention to the word "foolish". Robert Fogelin gives a very balanced view of the matter (e.g. Idea 6557).
Related Idea
Idea 6557 Humans may never be able to attain a world view which is both rich and consistent [Fogelin]