What seems fair enough against a squalid huckster of bad liquor may take on a different face, if used by a government determined to suppress political opposition under the guise of sedition.
Learned HandRead
"I beseech ye in the bowels of Christ, think that ye may be mistaken." I should like to have that written over the portals of every church, every school, and every courthouse, and, may I say, of every legislative body in the United States. I should like to have every court begin, "I beseech ye in the bowels of Christ, think that we may be mistaken."
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes humility and openness to the possibility of being wrong.
Learned Hand advocates for a mindset of humility and introspection, suggesting that individuals and institutions should always be aware of their fallibility. This perspective encourages a spirit of inquiry and reflection in decision-making, particularly in contexts like faith-based institutions and governance, where certainty can often lead to dogmatism and injustice. By acknowledging the potential for error, we foster a more compassionate and understanding society.
Themes
Humility Fallibility IntrospectionReflectionKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
In a church service focused on community and understanding, this quote could remind attendees to approach discussions with an open mind.
More from Learned Hand
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I shall ask no more than that you agree with Dean Inge that even though counting heads is not an ideal way to govern, at least it is better than breaking them.
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As soon as we cease to pry about at random, we shall come to rely upon accredited bodies of authoritative dogma; and as soon as we come to rely upon accredited bodies of authoritative dogma, not only are the days of our liberty over, but we have lost the password that has hitherto opened to us the gates of success as well.
Learned HandRead
What to an outsider will be no more than the vigorous presentation of a conviction, to an employee may be the manifestation of a determination which it is not safe to thwart.
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The spirit of liberty is the spirit of him who, near two thousand years ago, taught mankind that lesson it has never learned ... .
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