Whoever has overthrown an existing law of custom has…
“Whoever has overthrown an existing law of custom has always first been accounted a bad man: but when, as did happen, the law could not afterwards be reinstated and this fact was accepted, the predicate gradually changed; - history treats almost exclusively of these bad men who subsequently became good men!”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Challenging entrenched customs often brands innovators as villains until history vindicates them.
In simple terms: Breaking rules can later be seen as good.
Question norms, expect backlash, trust eventual vindication.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political reform
- scientific breakthroughs
- cultural shifts
- legal reforms
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What risks are you willing to take to change a harmful norm?
- How do you handle being labeled a troublemaker?
Not all rule‑breakers are eventually praised; outcomes can remain negative.