Fragile Quote by Felix Frankfurter
“Fragile as reason is and limited as law is as the institutionalized medium of reason, that's all we have standing between us and the tyranny of mere will and the cruelty of unbridled, undisciplined feeling”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Judicial Philosophy, Felix Frankfurter, 1935
Argues that reason and law are fragile, and between them lies tyranny of will and uncontrolled feeling.
In simple terms: Reason and law are weak, leaving space for willful tyranny and wild emotion.
Key Takeaway
Guard against unchecked emotions in law.
Themes
law
reason
tyranny
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- court decisions
- legislative drafting
- public policy debates
Key Concepts
institutional fragility
emotional regulation
philosophical critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can law strengthen rational discourse?
- What safeguards limit emotional excess?
A Different Perspective
Reason can be reinforced by structure.
