The King himself should be under no man, but under God and the Law.
Edward CokeRead
So as grave and learned men may doubt, without any imputation to them; for the most learned doubteth most, and the more ignorant for the most part are the more bold and peremptory.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Knowledgeable individuals are often more cautious in their beliefs, while the less informed tend to express certainty.
In this quote, Edward Coke suggests that a healthy skepticism accompanies deep knowledge; those who are well-versed in a subject are more likely to question their understanding and remain open to new ideas. Conversely, individuals lacking this knowledge often assert their opinions with confidence, demonstrating that ignorance can lead to an unshakable belief in one's own correctness.
Themes
DoubtKnowledgeWisdomIgnoranceCertainty
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on scientific theories, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of questioning established ideas.
More from Edward Coke
All quotes βFor a man's house is his castle, et domus sua cuique tutissimum refugium [and one's home is the safest refuge to everyone].
Edward CokeRead
There be three kinds of unhappie men. 1. Qui scit & non docet, Hee that hath knowledge and teacheth not. 2. Qui docet & non vivit, He that teacheth, and liveth not thereafter. 3. Qui nescit, & non interrogat, He that knoweth not, and doth not enquire to understand.
Edward CokeRead
No man can be a compleat Lawyer by universalitie of knowledge without experience in particular cases, nor by bare experience without universalitie of knowledge; he must be both speculative & active, for the science of the laws, I assure you, must joyne hands with experience.
Edward CokeRead
It is the worst oppression, that is done by colour of justice
Edward CokeRead
Reason is the life of the law; nay, the common law itself is nothing else but reason - the law which is perfection of reason.
Edward CokeRead
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