Books Quote by Alan W. Watts
![“[W]hen "the rule of law" becomes absolutized and everything is done by the book or the computer, people call out in desperation for the intervention of a reasonable human being.” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/09a/alan-w-watts-9497_books_w-hen-the-rule-of-law-becomes-absolutize_1411319.jpg)
““[W]hen "the rule of law" becomes absolutized and everything is done by the book or the computer, people call out in desperation for the intervention of a reasonable human being.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on law and humanity, 1960s
When law becomes rigid, people crave humane judgment.
In simple terms: Law without empathy leads to desperation.
Key Takeaway
Balance rules with compassion.
Themes
law
humanity
technology
desperation
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- courtrooms
- bureaucracy
- AI decision‑making
Key Concepts
ethical judgment
automation
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you needed a human touch over a rule?
- Can technology replace human judgment?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on rules can stifle nuance.
![“We have introduced a rule of law. That never existed for centuries in this country [South Africa], especially under the apartheid regime, when the law was reduced into disrepute.” quote by Nelson Mandela](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/77f/nelson-mandela-248_apartheid_we-have-introduced-a-rule-of-law-that-ne_284133.jpg)
![“[T]he question "What is everything?" has no meaning, even though it seems to be profound. [...] The point is, perhaps, that I am not looking for a verbal answer, just as when I ask for a kiss, I do not want a piece of paper with "A kiss" written on it. It is rather that metaphysical wonder looks…” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/705/alan-w-watts-9497_curiosity_t-he-question-what-is-everything-has-no_3984.jpg)
![“[T]he world as described is included in but is not the same as the world as it is. As a way of contemplation, it is being aware of life without thinking about it, and then carrying this on even while one is thinking, so that thoughts are not confused with nature.” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1ff/alan-w-watts-9497_contemplation_t-he-world-as-described-is-included-in-b_254933.jpg)
![“[S]een as a whole the universe is a harmony or symbiosis of patterns which cannot exist without each other.” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/782/alan-w-watts-9497_harmony_s-een-as-a-whole-the-universe-is-a-harmo_262535.jpg)
