The idea of governing at all times by the simple force of…
“The idea of governing at all times by the simple force of law (which we have been told is the only admissible principle of republican government) has no place but in the reveries of those political doctors whose sagacity disdains the admonitions of experimental instruction.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Law alone cannot govern; practical experience and experimentation are essential for republican governance.
In simple terms: Law is insufficient without real‑world testing.
Combine law with practical learning.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- legislative drafting
- government reform
- public administration
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can laws be tested before implementation?
- What role does experimentation play in governance?
Law alone cannot address complex societal issues.