As part of a piece of fiction that I’ve been working on, I’ve been drawn
to the phrase: “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.”
How true. And how far so many of us have gone from trying to own up to
the truth of that saying.
Which is why I’ve chosen to honor the writer who is credited with making
this essential observation. Thomas Reid, in “Essays on the
Intellectual Powers of Man” (1786):
“In every chain of reasoning, the evidence of the last conclusion can be
no greater than that of the weakest link of the chain, whatever may be the
strength of the rest.”
If only the wisdom of philosopher Thomas Reid were within us – not just
on Thursdays. But on every day.
Next: Running for Your Life: Outside or
Inside?
