Often, the less there is to justify a traditional custom, the harder it is to get rid of it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Customs without clear reasons persist because they become entrenched.
- In plain terms
- Hard‑to‑justify traditions are hard to discard.
- What can you take from it?
- Question the purpose of old habits.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do we keep useless customs?
- What benefits might they serve?
Another view
Some traditions hold value beyond rational justification.
More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens
'I once sent a telegram to 12 of my friends saying ALL IS DISCOVERED - FLEE AT ONCE. They all left town immediately.
Permalink to quote #154 Actions speak louder than words, but not nearly as often.
Permalink to quote #156 A lie can make it half way around the world before the truth has time to put its boots on. (This has also been attributed to Winston Churchill.)
Permalink to quote #153
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