Quote by Gilbert K. Chesterton
All conservatism is based upon the idea that if you leave things alone you leave them as they are. But you do not. If you leave a thing alone you leave it to a torrent of change.
Summary
This quote highlights the paradoxical nature of conservatism. It suggests that the belief in preserving the status quo and maintaining things "as they are" is actually flawed. By choosing not to intervene or make any changes, one inadvertently subjects things to the unpredictability and forces of change. In essence, the quote argues that inaction does not lead to stability or preservation, but rather allows circumstances to be shaped by external influences and evolving dynamics. Thus, it challenges the fundamental premise of conservatism and encourages a more proactive approach to avoid unwelcome transformations.