---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It must take account of what it decrees…"
description: "\"It must take account of what it decrees for today in order that today may not paralyze tomorrow.\" — Felix Frankfurter"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/39b/felix-frankfurter-7424_account_it-must-take-account-of-what-it-decrees_493639.png"
---

#  It must take account of what it decrees for today in order…

![“It must take account of what it decrees for today in order that today may not paralyze tomorrow.” quote by Felix Frankfurter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/39b/felix-frankfurter-7424_account_it-must-take-account-of-what-it-decrees_493639.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/39b/felix-frankfurter-7424_account_it-must-take-account-of-what-it-decrees_493639.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/39b/felix-frankfurter-7424_account_it-must-take-account-of-what-it-decrees_493639.png)

> “It must take account of what it decrees for today in order that today may not paralyze tomorrow.”

[Felix Frankfurter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/felix-frankfurter/)

## About This Quote

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

Policies should be designed today with future impact in mind, avoiding today’s decisions paralyzing tomorrow.

**In simple terms:** Consider future effects when making policies.

Key Takeaway

Plan with long‑term consequences in view.

Themes

policy future‑planning responsibility

Mood

cautious thoughtful

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

- government legislation
- corporate strategy
- urban planning
- environmental regulation

Key Concepts

law ethics systems thinking

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you test a policy’s future impact?
- What safeguards can prevent unintended consequences?

A Different Perspective

Predicting future outcomes is inherently uncertain.

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[Order](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/order/) [Paralyze](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/paralyze/) [Today](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/today/) [Tomorrow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tomorrow/)

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