Single Idea 6558

[catalogued under 2. Reason / A. Nature of Reason / 9. Limits of Reason]

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]