Constitution Quote by Henry David Thoreau
“Whoever can discern truth has received his commission from a higher source than the chiefest justice in the world who can discernonly law. He finds himself constituted judge of the judge. Strange that it should be necessary to state such simple truths!”
About This Quote
Source Book: Walden by Henry David Thoreau, 1854
Recognizing truth elevates one above ordinary authority, making one a judge of judgment itself.
In simple terms: Seeing truth makes you a higher judge.
Key Takeaway
Seek truth, trust your inner judgment.
Themes
truth
authority
judgment
self‑reliance
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal decision‑making
- leadership
- moral evaluation
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethical insight
individualism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify truth beyond external authority?
- What responsibilities arise from being a judge of judgment?
A Different Perspective
Truth can be subjective; personal bias may cloud discernment.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
