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A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.
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“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Source
Self-Reliance
Date
1841
Meaning

Meaning of “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little…”

Emerson attacks rigid consistency when it prevents people from revising judgment in the light of new thought.

Source context

Where does it come from?

Essay “Self-Reliance”; Emerson criticizes rigid adherence to past opinions when fresh judgment requires revision.

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AttitudeBe YourselfCalmConfidence Quotes About Ability & Self-TrustConsistencyDeepDiscipline Quotes About Habits, Practice & ConsistencyEffortIdentityIndependenceInspirational Quotes About Hope, Courage & PossibilityMindMotivational Quotes for Action, Effort & PersistencePatiencePeaceProductivityResponsibilitySelf RelianceSelf TrustSelf-Control Quotes About Restraint & JudgmentShortSuccessThinking Quotes About Reasoning, Reflection & JudgmentThought-Provoking Quotes That Invite ReflectionWisdom Quotes About Judgment & Living WellInnovationOpinionWords of Wisdom: Practical & Philosophical CounselWork Ethic
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Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.
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“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.”

Proverbs · King James Bible — Proverbs 6:6 · 1611
Meaning & context

The proverb uses the ant as an example of self-directed preparation, turning observation of repeated practical behavior into a lesson about disciplined habits.

Source details

Proverbs 6:6 in the King James Version; the following verses describe the ant preparing food without an overseer.

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The master-word is Work
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“The master-word is Work”

William Osler · The Master-Word in Medicine · 1903
Meaning & context

Osler makes sustained work the organizing principle of his address to medical students, emphasizing disciplined practice over brilliance without application.

Source details

The Master-Word in Medicine, address delivered October 1, 1903 at the opening of the new buildings of the University of Toronto Medical Faculty; reviewed against the represented 1903 John Murphy pamphlet, Internet Archive identifier b28060805. ‘The master-word is Work’ is Osler’s organizing refrain and is followed by his appeal to write the word on the heart and forehead. This remains historical professional rhetoric rather than an endorsement of unsafe working hours or workaholism.

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