Boat Quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr
“Reason means truth and those who are not governed by it take the chance that someday the sunken fact will rip the bottom out of their boat.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Harvard Law Review, 1905
When law is ignored, truth eventually undermines false foundations.
In simple terms: Ignoring law leads to truth exposing falsehoods.
Key Takeaway
Respect law to prevent truth from overturning you.
Themes
law
truth
governance
justice
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political policy
- corporate regulation
- environmental law
- civil rights
Key Concepts
legal theory
philosophy of law
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure laws reflect truth?
- What safeguards prevent misuse of law?
A Different Perspective
Legal systems can be manipulated, delaying truth's impact.
