If you let loose a law, it will do as a dog does. It will…
““If you let loose a law, it will do as a dog does. It will obey its own nature, not yours. Such sense as you have put into the law (or the dog) will be fulfilled. But you will not be able to fulfil a fragment of anything you have forgotten to put into it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Laws reflect the intentions built into them; neglect leads to unintended behavior.
In simple terms: Law follows its creator’s intent.
Key Takeaway
Draft laws carefully.
Themes
law
intent
consequence
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- contract writing
- policy implementation
- software design
Key Concepts
legal theory
ethics
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions are you embedding in your rules?
- How can you test for overlooked gaps?
A Different Perspective
Complex systems may still behave unpredictably despite careful design.