Ancient custom has the force of law.

Ancient custom has the force of law.

Men commonly think according to their inclinations, speak according to their learning and imbibed opinions, but generally act according to read more

Men commonly think according to their inclinations, speak according to their learning and imbibed opinions, but generally act according to custom.

The customs and fashions of men change like leaves on the bough, some of which go and others come.

The customs and fashions of men change like leaves on the bough, some of which go and others come.

Men will sooner surrender their rights than their customs.

Men will sooner surrender their rights than their customs.

There is no tyrant like custom, and no freedom where its edicts are not resisted.

There is no tyrant like custom, and no freedom where its edicts are not resisted.

We do everything by custom, even believe by it; our very axioms, let us boast of free-thinking as we may, read more

We do everything by custom, even believe by it; our very axioms, let us boast of free-thinking as we may, are oftenest simply such beliefs as we have never heard questioned.

Custom adapts itself to expediency

Custom adapts itself to expediency

Every age, every culture, every custom and tradition has its own character, its own weakness and its own strength, its read more

Every age, every culture, every custom and tradition has its own character, its own weakness and its own strength, its beauties and cruelties; it accepts certain sufferings as matters of course, puts up patiently with certain evils. Human life is reduced to real suffering, to hell, only when two ages, two cultures and religions overlap.

No man ever looks at the world with pristine eyes. He sees it edited by a definite set of customs read more

No man ever looks at the world with pristine eyes. He sees it edited by a definite set of customs and institutions and ways of thinking.