French Quote by Carl Schmitt
““Hauriou, became a crown witness for us when he confirmed this connection in 1916, in the midst of WWI: “The revolution of 1789 had no other goal than absolute access to the writing of legal statutes and the systematic destruction of customary institutions. It resulted in a state of permanent revolution because the mobility of the writing of laws did not provide for the stability of certain customary institutions, because the forces of change were stronger than the forces of stability. Social and political life in France was completely emptied of institutions and was only able to provisionally maintain itself by sudden jolts spurred by the heightened morality.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Historical testimony, 1916, WWI context
The quote argues that the French Revolution aimed to replace traditional customs with a constantly changing legal system, leading to instability and perpetual upheaval.
In simple terms: Revolution replaced customs with ever‑changing laws, causing instability.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the need for stable institutions amidst change.
Themes
revolution
law
stability
customs
political change
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- constitutional drafting
- policy reform
- educational curricula
- public discourse
- legal scholarship
Key Concepts
legal theory
institutional theory
historical analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do stable institutions coexist with necessary legal evolution?
- What safeguards can balance change and continuity?
A Different Perspective
The claim may overgeneralize complex historical causes and ignore positive outcomes of reform.
