I can Quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr
“The thing I want to do is put as many new ideas into the law as I can, to show how particular solutions involve general theory, and to do it with style. I should like to be admitted to be the greatest jurist in the world.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Legal Lecture, Harvard Law School, 1908
Advocates injecting fresh ideas into law to illustrate how specific cases reflect broader theory, aiming for excellence and style.
In simple terms: Innovate law with new ideas and style.
Blend creativity with legal rigor.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- court arguments
- law school curricula
- policy drafting
- legal reform
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure innovation remains substantive?
- What does “style” mean in legal work?
Risk of style outweighing substance.