Quote by Judge Learned Hand
Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it; no constitution, no law, no court can even do much to help it. The spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure that it is right; the spirit of liberty is the spirit which seeks to understand the minds of other men and women; the spirit of liberty is the spirit which weighs their interests alongside its own without bias; the spirit of liberty remembers that not even a sparrow falls to earth unheeded; the spirit of liberty is the spirit of Him who, near two thousand years ago, taught mankind that lesson it has never learned, but has never quite forgotten; that there may be a kingdom where the least shall be heard and considered side by side with the greatest.
Summary
This quote emphasizes that the true essence of liberty resides within individuals. It suggests that no constitution, law, or court can truly protect liberty if the people themselves do not uphold it. The spirit of liberty is described as open-minded, seeking to understand others and considering their interests without bias. It highlights the importance of valuing every individual's voice and recognizing their worth. The quote refers to the timeless teachings of a figure from history who advocated for equal consideration and reminds us to strive for a society where even the least powerful are heard and valued alongside the most powerful.
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