The Supreme Court said nothing about silliness, but I…
“The Supreme Court said nothing about silliness, but I suspect it may play more of a role than one might suppose. People are, if anything, more touchy about being thought silly than they are about being thought unjust... Probably the first slave ship, with Negroes lying in chains on its decks, seemed commonsensical to the owners who operated it and to the planters who patronized it. But such a vessel would not be in the realm of common sense today. The only sense that is common, in the long run, is the sense of change.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote argues that societal norms and what is considered “common sense” evolve, and that resistance to being seen as silly reveals deeper sensitivities than fear of injustice.
In simple terms: Common sense changes over time; people fear being seen as silly more than unjust.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that norms shift and challenge fear of ridicule.
Themes
social change
perception
humor
justice
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- education reform
- media criticism
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
cultural evolution
psychology of embarrassment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you distinguish constructive humor from harmful frivolity?
- What current “common sense” might be future’s absurdity?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook that some “silly” ideas can be harmful if unexamined.