Copies Quote by James Anthony Froude
“Our human laws are but the copies, more or less imperfect, of the eternal laws, so far as we can read them.”
About This Quote
Source Historical essay, 19th century (e.g., “The History of England”)
Human laws attempt to reflect eternal principles but are inevitably imperfect approximations.
In simple terms: Laws copy higher laws imperfectly.
Key Takeaway
Seek justice beyond statutes.
Themes
law
philosophy
eternity
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- court decisions
- legislative drafting
- civil rights activism
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
natural law
jurisprudence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies improve law’s alignment with higher principles?
- What role does morality play in legal reform?
A Different Perspective
Human interpretation limits law’s perfection.
![“[I]n any profession the highest order of work is achieved, not by fussy empirical demands for 'something to be done,' but by patient study of the eternal laws.” quote by Henry Whitehead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/537/henry-whitehead-242414_career_i-n-any-profession-the-highest-order-of_1955835.jpg)
