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"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."
Learned Hand
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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.

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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.
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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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