Amending the constitution Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. . . . We might as well require a man to wear the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain forever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Personal Correspondence, 1803
Law and institutions must evolve with human intellectual progress, not cling to outdated traditions.
In simple terms: Progress needs new laws.
Key Takeaway
Adapt institutions to modern thinking.
Themes
progress
law
human mind
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- education
- civic engagement
Key Concepts
political philosophy
social evolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance tradition and innovation?
- What role does education play in legal reform?
A Different Perspective
Changing laws can be slow and contentious.
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![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
