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About this quote

What does it mean?
Traditions demand obedience regardless of morality.
In plain terms
Follow customs even if they seem unreasonable.
What can you take from it?
Social norms often override logic.

Where it applies

  • social gatherings
  • rituals

Putting it to work

  • cultural integration
  • compliance

Questions to consider

  • Which customs do you follow blindly?

Another view

Blind obedience can be harmful.

More from Mark Twain

  1. A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those intensely right words in a book or a newspaper the resulting effect is physical as well …

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  2. Laws are sand, customs are rock. Laws can be evaded and punishment escaped, but an openly transgressed custom brings sure punishment.

    Permalink to quote #47
  3. The only reason why God created man is because he was disappointed with the monkey.

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