Skip to content

For myself it would be most irksome to be ruled by a bevy…

“For myself it would be most irksome to be ruled by a bevy of Platonic Guardians, even if I knew how to choose them, which I assuredly do not.” quote by Learned Hand
Download Open image
“For myself it would be most irksome to be ruled by a bevy of Platonic Guardians, even if I knew how to choose them, which I assuredly do not.”

Learned Hand

About This Quote

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

Expresses distrust of rule by an elite philosophical, even if chosen wisely.

In simple terms: Rule by elite guardians is undesirable.

Key Takeaway

Guard against concentration of power.

Themes

government philosophy elitism rule choice

Mood

cautious critical reflective

Type

philosophical political legal

When to use this quote

  • legislative design
  • public policy
  • civic education

Key Concepts

republicanism political theory skepticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who decides who is qualified?
  • How to ensure accountability?
A Different Perspective

May underestimate need for expertise in governance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Learned Hand

Explore all 101 Learned Hand quotes

More Guardian quotes

Browse all 665 Guardian quotes