Book Quote by Mark Twain
“There are no witches. The witch text remains; only the practice has changed. Hell fire is gone, but the text remains. Infant damnation is gone, but the text remains. More than two hundred death penalties are gone from the law books, but the texts that authorized them remain.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, likely a lecture or interview, date unknown
The quote points out that while the actual practices and laws have changed, the underlying texts that once justified them still exist, highlighting a disconnect between past authority and present reality.
In simple terms: Texts persist even when practices change.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that outdated texts can still influence thinking.
Themes
history
law
authority
change
legacy
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- Legal reform debates
- historical analysis
- educational curricula
- policy review
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Legal texts
cultural narratives
institutional inertia
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we reconcile outdated texts with modern values?
- What role should historical documents play in contemporary law?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overstate continuity; some texts are actively revised or discarded.
