The only way to eliminate any government choice on what art is worthwhile, what art isn't worthwhile, is to get the government totally out of the business of funding.
Antonin ScaliaRead
What is a moderate interpretation of the text? Halfway between what it really means and what you'd like it to mean?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote questions the validity of interpreting texts by finding a compromise between their true meaning and personal desires.
Antonin Scalia's quote reflects on the nuances of textual interpretation, suggesting that a 'moderate' interpretation is often a flawed approach. Rather than seeking a balance between the objective truth of a text and subjective preferences, Scalia emphasizes the importance of understanding the original intent and context without distortion. This provokes deeper considerations about how texts, especially legal and literary ones, should be understood and applied.
Themes
InterpretationTextMeaningTruthSubjectivity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the Constitution, one might use this quote to express the dangers of misinterpretation.
More from Antonin Scalia
All quotes →If I have brought any message today, it is this: Have the courage to have your wisdom regarded as stupidity. Be fools for Christ. And have the courage to suffer the contempt of the sophisticated world.
Antonin ScaliaRead
To allow the policy question of same-sex marriage to be considered and resolved by a select, patrician, highly unrepresentative panel of nine is to violate a principle even more fundamental than no taxation without representation: no social transformation without representation.
Antonin ScaliaRead
Until the courts put a stop to it, public debate over same-sex marriage displayed American democracy at its best. Individuals on both sides of the issue passionately, but respectfully, attempted to persuade their fellow citizens to accept their views.
Antonin ScaliaRead
Being a good person begins with being a wise person. Then, when you follow your conscience, will you be headed in the right direction.
Antonin ScaliaRead
If you're going to be a good and faithful judge, you have to resign yourself to the fact that you're not always going to like the conclusions you reach. If you like them all the time, you're probably doing something wrong.
Antonin ScaliaRead
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