“Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputations, can never effect a reform.”

Simplified Meaning:

People who are always worried about what others think of them are often too scared to bring about meaningful change. Imagine a worker in a company who spots major issues or unfair practices but is afraid to speak up or take action because they don't want to upset their boss or colleagues. They might think, "If I say something, people might not like me or I might get in trouble." Because of this fear, they stay quiet and the problems never get fixed. For real reform or improvement, someone has to be brave enough to take risks, even if it means facing criticism or damaging their own image. Think of civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., who didn't worry about their reputations when they fought against injustice. They focused on the greater good rather than their own standing. So, if you want to make a real difference in any part of your life, sometimes you have to put aside worries about what others might think of you and be willing to take bold action.