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About this quote

What does it mean?
If a situation works well and does not need fixing, you should leave it alone.
In plain terms
Do not change things that are already working.
What can you take from it?
Avoid unnecessary changes to stable systems.

Where it applies

  • managing established processes
  • policy making
  • personal habits

Putting it to work

  • assess necessity before changing
  • preserve what works

Questions to consider

  • Is this change really necessary?
  • What happens if you do nothing?

Another view

Stagnation can also be harmful if conditions change over time.

More from Edmund Burke

  1. Beauty is the promise of happiness.

    Permalink to quote #165
  2. If you can be well without health, you may be happy without virtue.

    Permalink to quote #167
  3. Applause is the spur of noble minds, the end and aim of weak ones.

    Permalink to quote #164

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