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My issue would be what exactly is a timeless or traditional institution ?
Many traditions we follow and institutions we accept are relatively new and/or changed dramatically over time, even within living memory.
Some traditions and institutions we take for granted since we were children were not the same, vastly different or didn't even exist for our parents or grandparents.
I am not anti-tradition and I certainly endeavor to behave with the upmost politeness in my interactions* with people when I am out and about (I always smile, open doors, use please and thank you etc and would be mortified if I forgot). I just can't accept or adopt the position of supporting a tradition or institution purely on the basis that it is perceived as such.
If traditions are good, beneficial,have a positive effect on society or are just harmless, they will tend to survive time and generations, however those with flaws will either wither away by themselves or be actively argued against on the basis of merit.
* of course I don't always necessarily come across as all that polite during a heated argument on these forums, but I consider that it's a rather special case and would hope others do to. |
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