Skip to content

I must lay down the law as I understand it, and as I read…

“I must lay down the law as I understand it, and as I read it in books of authority.” quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Download Open image
“I must lay down the law as I understand it, and as I read it in books of authority.”

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

About This Quote

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

Law should be interpreted through personal understanding and authoritative texts.

In simple terms: Interpret laws using both reason and sources.

Key Takeaway

Study texts, then apply personal insight.

Themes

law interpretation authority

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • courtroom arguments
  • policy drafting
  • academic study

Key Concepts

legal theory philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance personal view with established law?
  • When should authority be questioned?
A Different Perspective

Rigid literalism can ignore context.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Explore all 570 Samuel Taylor Coleridge quotes

More Authority quotes

Browse all 4,003 Authority quotes