Bernard M. Baruch: Human Nature and Change

"Human nature, of course, changes far more slowly than do our external surroundings.

"When new situations arise some persons dig their heels dogmatically into the past and declare that we must hold rigidly to the old rules. Others treat each new situation as if it requires a de novo approach, relying on trial and error as if the past had no value.

Are you "rigidly holding onto the old" or seeking a "de novo approach" to solve problems?

"To govern ourselves effectively, both these extremes must be rejected.

​"The real problem is to know when to stand by the old truths and when to strike out in new, experimental ways. … harmonize a readiness to risk something new with precautions against repeating the errors of the past."

​Bernard M. Baruch, My Own Story, 1957

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