America and americans Quote by Wallace Stevens
“There is truth in the reply of a great lawyer when asked how the lawyers who formed the United States Constitution had such a mastery of legal principles: Why, they had so few books”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview with The New York Times, 1945
Great lawyers excel because they rely on deep reasoning rather than extensive reading, showing mastery through understanding, not volume.
In simple terms: Lawyers succeed by thinking, not just reading.
Focus on deep comprehension over quantity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- courtroom
- academic study
- policy drafting
- legal education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance study with experience?
- What sources beyond books shape your expertise?
Relying solely on books can limit practical insight.