Our institutions and conditions rest upon deep-seated ideas. To change those conditions and at the same time leave the underlying ideas and values intact means only a superficial transformation, one that cannot be permanent or bring real betterment. It is a change of form only, not of substance, as so tragically proven by Russia.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Real lasting change requires altering underlying ideas, not just changing institutions or forms.
- In plain terms
- Changing systems without changing minds leads to superficial results.
- What can you take from it?
- Change values, not just structures.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do your reforms address root causes?
- What values underlie your system?
Another view
Sometimes structural change must come before cultural shifts.
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