Affirming Quote by Gregory Bateson
“The wise legislator will only rarely initiate a new rule of behaviour; more usually he will confine himself to affirming in law what has already become the custom of the people.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Steps to an Ecology of Mind, Gregory Bateson, 1972
He suggests that effective legislators should codify existing customs rather than constantly creating new rules.
In simple terms: Law should reflect current customs, not constantly create new ones.
Key Takeaway
Align new laws with established social practices.
Themes
governance
law
custom
wisdom
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy drafting
- community meetings
- legal reform
Key Concepts
social norms
legislative strategy
cultural continuity
Questions to Reflect On
- When should a law change existing customs?
- How to balance tradition with progress?
A Different Perspective
May stifle necessary innovation or reform.
![“[F]or academic men to be happy, the universe would have to take shape. All of philosophy has no other goal: it is a matter of giving a frock coat to what is, a mathematical frock coat. On the other hand, affirming that the universe resembles nothing and is only formless amounts to saying that the…” quote by Georges Bataille](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d5d/georges-bataille-3741_academic_f-or-academic-men-to-be-happy-the-univer_156790.jpg)
