Conversation

I was curious about the specific imagery in the Emerson quote: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines." Why hobgoblins I wondered. Apparently because they do randomly do your household chores? Why??
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And looks like JK Rowling got the name for her house elf Dobby from hobgoblin lore, but made them slaves and inverted the clothing thing. Did not know.
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Why would folklore arise around invisible anti-entropy consistency forces? It’s like the opposite of gremlins. I’m really curious now. Clearly Emerson did not choose his words casually. Hobgoblins do seem associated with consistency tasks (ironing, dusting… ordering effects)
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Replying to
Oh, so hobgoblins are household deities, and Emerson isn’t exactly saying foolish consistency is a monster or demon… it’s more like a pagan protective gargoyle that’s worshipped along with keeping the “little minds” tidy…
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