Appropriate Quote by Joseph Sobran
“When your child has matured sufficiently to understand how the judicial system works, set a bedtime for him and then send him to bed an hour early. When he tearfully accuses you of breaking the rules, explain that you made the rules and you can interpret them in any way that seems appropriate to you, according to changing conditions. This will prepare him for the Supreme Court's concept of the US Constitution as a 'living document'.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Political Commentary, 1990s, null
Teaching children that rules are flexible prepares them for legal relativism and authority manipulation.
In simple terms: Flexibility in rules teaches manipulation.
Key Takeaway
Question authority, demand consistency.
Themes
authority
law
parenting
relativism
Mood
skeptical
critical
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- family discussions
- legal education
- political debates
- parental guidance
Key Concepts
legal theory
psychology
political socialization
Questions to Reflect On
- How does rule flexibility affect a child's sense of fairness?
- What are the long‑term effects of viewing law as negotiable?
A Different Perspective
May foster cynicism toward law and erode trust in institutions.
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