(Common law) stands as a monument slowly raised, like a coral reef, from the minute accretions of past individuals, of whom each built upon the relics which his predecessors left, and in his turn left a foundation upon which his successors might work
More Quotes from Learned Hand:
We may win when we lose, if we have done what we can; for by so doing we have made real at least some part of that finished product in whose fabrication we are most concerned: ourselves.Learned Hand
If we are to keep democracy, there must be a commandment: Thou shalt not ration justice.
Learned Hand
With the courage which only comes of justified self-confidence, he dared to rest his case upon its strongest point, and so avoided that appearance of weakness and uncertainty which comes of a clutter of arguments. Few lawyers are willing to do this it is the mark of the most distinguished talent.
Learned Hand
The mid-day sun is too much for most eyes; one is dazzled even with its reflection. Be careful that too broad and high an aim does not paralyze your effort and clog your springs of action.
Learned Hand
They taught me, not by precept, but by example, that nothing is more commendable, and more fair, than that a man should lay aside all else, and seek truth not to preach what he might find and surely not to try to make his views prevail but, like Lessing, to find his satisfaction in the search itself.
Learned Hand
I remember he loved the patent cases, ... He used to get the invention involved in the case, take it apart and put it together again. He enjoyed seeing how the apparatus worked. . . . He also enjoyed the admiralty cases. He loved to get models of ships and recreate the circumstances of a collision.
Learned Hand
Readers Who Like This Quotation Also Like:
Based on Topics: Past QuotesBased on Keywords: accretions, reef
Education begins the gentleman, but reading, good company and reflection must finish him.
John Locke
Work alone is noble.
Thomas Carlyle
Unified party control of the organs of government has proved no panacea.
David E. Price