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They'll say our bus'ness, to reform The Church and State, is but a worm; For to subscribe, unsight, unseen, To an unknown Church-discipline, What is it else, but before-hand T'engage, and after understand? For when we swore to carry on The present Reformation, According to the purest mode Of Churches best reformed abroad, What did we else, but make a vow To do we know not what, nor how?'

Samuel Butler#8

HypocrisyChurchReform

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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker critiques blind agreement to religious reforms without understanding the implications.
In plain terms
Signing up for changes you don't understand is irresponsible.
What can you take from it?
Do not commit to policies without knowing what they entail.

Where it applies

  • political movements
  • religious groups
  • organizational changes

Putting it to work

  • read contracts carefully
  • question vague mandates

Questions to consider

  • Have you ever agreed to something without understanding it?
  • Why do people follow rules they don't question?

Another view

Sometimes quick action is needed even without full clarity.

More from Samuel Butler

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  2. In mathematics he was greater Than Tycho Brahe, or Erra Pater: For he, by geometric scale, Could take the size of pots of ale; Resolve, by sines and tangents s…

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  3. A skilful leech is better far Than half an hundred men of war, So he appear'd; and by his skill, No less than dint of sword, cou'd kill.

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