"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines"

This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson is a criticism of those who abide by a rigorous and unyielding consistency in their beliefs and actions. He recommends that such a consistency is absurd, and is just admired by those who are small-minded. He suggests that those who are really wise and enlightened are not bound by such a rigid adherence to consistency. Rather, they are open to change and development, and are willing to adjust their beliefs and actions in light of new information and experiences. Emerson's quote is a suggestion to be unbiased and flexible in our thinking, and to not be so quick to cling to a single set of beliefs or principles.