I am opposed to the laying down of rules or conditions to…
“I am opposed to the laying down of rules or conditions to be observed in the construction of bridges lest the progress of improvement tomorrow might be embarrassed or shackled by recording or registering as law the prejudices or errors of today.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Legal rules can lock in today’s biases, hindering future progress.
In simple terms: Avoid codifying temporary ideas as permanent law.
Key Takeaway
Stay flexible, revise rules as knowledge grows.
Themes
law
progress
bias
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- technology regulation
- urban planning
- education reform
Key Concepts
institutional inertia
future‑proofing
policy design
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance stability with adaptability?
- When should laws be revised?
A Different Perspective
Too much flexibility may lead to instability.