The first rule of tinkering is, of course, 'save all the parts.' But in dismantling the social fabric, the parts cannot all be saved, for one of them is . Time, we were told, is a river flowing endlessly through the universe and one cannot step into the same river twice. Not only can we not undo actions taken in haste and in fear {the Japanese Internment}, but those taken from the best reasons, but that have proved destructive {affirmative action}; the essential mechanism of societal preservation is not inspiration, but restraint.
The quote emphasizes the importance of caution when altering societal structures. It suggests that while tinkering with society, we must remember that we cannot save every element; time and decisions are irreversible. Historical moments like the Japanese Internment highlight how even well-intentioned actions can lead to harm, reflecting the consequences of acting swiftly out of fear.
Mamet argues that instead of purely seeking innovation or change, society should prioritize restraint as a means of preservation. The acknowledgment that certain actions cannot be undone serves as a reminder of the careful consideration needed before making decisions that impact the collective social fabric.
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