Contingencies Quotes
Burrhus Frederic Skinner. Thanks to the work of Skinner and his followers, we now know that the psychological controls of a society, intended or otherwise, can be as big a factor affecting freedom as physical restraint. See {305304} for another of his quotations.
Most scientists are of the opinion that although we cannot control the weather we can refrain from those activities that would induce more extreme climate changes. It is the extreme’s that cause the major problems. The other weather problems cause difficulties but they are manageable.
This quotation is sometimes cited in criticism of programs or policies that the critic thinks have not been thought out fully or possible contingencies not considered. Many believe that this quotation illustrates the approach that should never be taken. Others argue that for most large enterprises or visions, this is the ONLY way to go about it for all contingencies can never be known in advance.
Normal warnings about the upcoming hurricane failed to induce some New Jersey citizens to vacate the New Jersey ocean beaches. There were some who wanted to try and surf in the large storm waves. The Governor did not mince words.
Msny humsnists disagree with this generalization. There are some humanists whose belief structure is very close to that of religion except they have few if any rituals and do not rely on a particular conceopt of a God. Others are as Moc=vack describes.
