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So now we're after a constitutional amendment that defines…

“So now we're after a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as a guy-and-gal thing. To the founders, this would have been like an amendment requiring the sun to rise in the east; it would fall under the category of obvious truths that the Constitution need not address.” quote by James Lileks
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“So now we're after a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as a guy-and-gal thing. To the founders, this would have been like an amendment requiring the sun to rise in the east; it would fall under the category of obvious truths that the Constitution need not address.”

James Lileks

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Some truths are so obvious that they don’t need constitutional clarification, like the sun rising.

In simple terms: Obvious truths don’t need legal definition.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and accept inherent truths.

Themes

law politics common sense

Mood

analytical critical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy debates
  • public discourse
  • legal drafting
  • civic education

Key Concepts

constitutional law social norms obviousness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are examples of obvious truths that still require debate?
  • When does an obvious truth become contested?
A Different Perspective

May dismiss nuanced cultural differences.

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