Divine Quote by Learned Hand
“There is no surer way to misread any document than to read it literally. ... As nearly as we can, we must put ourselves in the place of those who uttered the words, and try to divine how they would have dealt with the unforeseen situation; and, although their words are by far the most decisive evidence of what they would have done, they are by no means final.”
About This Quote
Source Court Opinion: United States v. United States, 1952
Literal reading ignores context; understanding intent requires considering the author's perspective and circumstances.
In simple terms: Context matters in interpretation.
Key Takeaway
Seek intent, not just words.
Themes
interpretation
context
law
intent
reading
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legal documents
- historical texts
- personal letters
- policy drafts
Key Concepts
legal hermeneutics
historical context
authorial intent
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we handle ambiguous language?
- When should we prioritize intent over text?
A Different Perspective
Literal reading may miss nuanced meanings.
