This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson suggests that narrow-minded or uncreative individuals tend to rely on consistency as a crutch, fearing change or deviation from their routine. It implies that true growth and innovation require stepping outside of one's comfort zone and being open to new possibilities.
This quote is from Ralph Waldo Emerson, from his essay, Self-Reliance: A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. Emerson believed that people need to stop foolishly following everyone else, and become self-reliant. To break it down into plain English: "Foolish consistency" - doing something the same way over and over without a good reason "hobgoblin" - a monster or demon or, in this case, it means the thing that trips you up "little minds" - people who cannot think logically and rationally "little statesmen and philosophers and divines" - small-minded politicians, philosophers, and church officials Thus, following rules without reasons is the thing which hampers small-minded people.
Small minds discuss people, gossip, and trivial matters rather than ideas or important topics.
Small minds typically focus on gossip, trivial matters, and criticizing others in conversations.
Small minds typically focus on gossip, trivial matters, and superficial topics when engaging in conversation.
Small minds often talk about other people, gossip, and trivial matters rather than engaging in deeper or more meaningful conversations.
This quote is from Ralph Waldo Emerson, from his essay, Self-Reliance: A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. Emerson believed that people need to stop foolishly following everyone else, and become self-reliant. To break it down into plain English: "Foolish consistency" - doing something the same way over and over without a good reason "hobgoblin" - a monster or demon or, in this case, it means the thing that trips you up "little minds" - people who cannot think logically and rationally "little statesmen and philosophers and divines" - small-minded politicians, philosophers, and church officials Thus, following rules without reasons is the thing which hampers small-minded people.
A hobgoblin is a small, ugly goblin which makes trouble for people, or, in a more general sense, a source of dread or fear.
Emerson meant that only small-minded people would be so foolish as to refuse to change a customary practice, or way of looking at things, simply because "We have always done it this way!" even if a change might be beneficial -- perhaps cheaper, fairer, more effective, or more in keeping with objective evidence. (One use of the word "hobgoblin" in Emerson's time was to denote a concept or entity that induced in some people fear or distress out of proportion to its actual importance.)Answer:This quote is from Ralph Waldo Emerson, from his essay, Self-Reliance: A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.Emerson believed that people need to stop foolishly following everyone else, and become self-reliant. To break it down into plain English:"Foolish consistency" - doing something the same way over and over without a good reason"hobgoblin" - a monster or demon or, in this case, it means the thing that trips you up"little minds" - people who cannot think logically and rationally"little statesmen and philosophers and divines" - small-minded politicians, philosophers, and church officialsThus, following rules without reasons is the thing which hampers small-minded people. Those who make it their business to control others beliefs, especially those mentioned by Emerson, encourage the foolish consistencies in those people they wish to control.
Yes he did and I believe the quote was "Foolish consistencies are the hobgoblins of small minds". I don't know where the quote is but I went around quoting him for years before recognizing the quote was from Ralph Waldo Emerson. I believe I read it in his eight volume series he wrote about WWII, starting with "The Gathering Storm", which I read over thirty years ago. If my memory, per chance, serves me correct, it was in regard to England's government not being more accommodating to Italy in 1939, during the time period that France and England were making ultimatums to Germany regarding its foreign policy. He felt England was going to have a hard time with just fighting Germany and that while the issues with Italy were similar to the issues with Germany; the countries Italy had attacked were smaller and less important. Therefore there was a less urgent need consistency regarding Italy, than it was for England to position itself to be able to successfully deal with Germany.
Small minds discuss people, gossip, and trivial matters rather than ideas or important topics.
Small minds typically focus on gossip, trivial matters, and criticizing others in conversations.
Small minds typically focus on gossip, trivial matters, and superficial topics when engaging in conversation.
Small minds often talk about other people, gossip, and trivial matters rather than engaging in deeper or more meaningful conversations.
Small minds typically discuss gossip, rumors, and negative aspects of people when engaging in conversations about others.
To thin melted chocolate for a smoother consistency, you can add a small amount of vegetable oil or melted butter and stir it in until you reach your desired consistency.
To thin melted white chocolate for a smoother consistency, you can add a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening and stir it in until you reach the desired consistency.
Racism is something that almost every group has had to endure. Discrimination is normally a way for small minds to try to make themselves feel better about their small minds.