---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: 'I beseech ye . . . , think that ye may…"
description: "\"'I beseech ye . . . , think that ye may be mistaken.' I should like to have that written over the portals of every church, every school, and every cour..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d08/learned-hand-5343_body_i-beseech-ye-think-that-ye-may-be-mistak_101633.jpg"
---

#  'I beseech ye . . . , think that ye may be mistaken.' I…

![“'I beseech ye . . . , think that ye may be mistaken.' I should like to have that written over the portals of every church, every school, and every courthouse, and, may I say, of every legislative body in the United States. I should like to have every court begin, 'I beseech ye . . . , think that…” quote by Learned Hand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d08/learned-hand-5343_body_i-beseech-ye-think-that-ye-may-be-mistak_101633.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d08/learned-hand-5343_body_i-beseech-ye-think-that-ye-may-be-mistak_101633.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d08/learned-hand-5343_body_i-beseech-ye-think-that-ye-may-be-mistak_101633.jpg)

> “'I beseech ye . . . , think that ye may be mistaken.' I should like to have that written over the portals of every church, every school, and every courthouse, and, may I say, of every legislative body in the United States. I should like to have every court begin, 'I beseech ye . . . , think that we may be mistaken.'”

[Learned Hand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/learned-hand/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Institutions should acknowledge their fallibility, encouraging humility and openness to error in law and governance.

**In simple terms:** Embrace institutional humility.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and admit mistakes.

Themes

law humility governance error

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

ethical

When to use this quote

- court rulings
- legislative debates

Key Concepts

institutional accountability

Practical Applications

- add disclaimer statements in official proceedings

Questions to Reflect On

- How does admitting error affect public trust?
- What mechanisms ensure humility in decision‑making?

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