That is very fine; but it is impossible to make the men…
“That is very fine; but it is impossible to make the men perfect; the men will always remain the same as they are now; and no legislation will make a man have more presence of mind, or, I believe, make him more cautious; and besides that, the next time such an accident occurs, the circumstances will be so different, that the instructions given to the men, in consequence of the former accident, will not apply.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Legislation cannot perfect human behavior; accidents vary, making fixed rules ineffective.
In simple terms: Laws can't make people flawless or prevent all accidents.
Key Takeaway
Focus on adaptable safety measures.
Themes
law
human nature
accidents
policy
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
practical
policy‑oriented
When to use this quote
- industrial work
- transport safety
- construction sites
Key Concepts
risk management
human error
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance rules with flexibility?
- What alternative safety strategies exist?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on rules may ignore human judgment.