Even when laws have been written down, they ought not…
“Even when laws have been written down, they ought not always to remain unaltered. As in other sciences, so in politics, it is impossible that all things should be precisely set down in writing; for enactments must be universal, but actions are concerned with particulars. Hence we infer that sometimes and in certain cases laws may be changed.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Laws should be flexible to address specific situations, not rigidly fixed in writing.
In simple terms: Laws need flexibility for real cases.
Key Takeaway
Allow laws to adapt as needed.
Themes
law
flexibility
politics
principles
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- court rulings
- policy reform
- administrative decisions
Key Concepts
jurisprudence
pragmatism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance consistency with adaptability?
- When should exceptions be codified?
A Different Perspective
Rigid laws can ignore unique circumstances.