The spirit which is not too sure that it is right

Judge Learned Hand is one of the most quotable judges.

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 above quote is from his evergreen “The Spirit of Liberty” speech at “I Am an American Day” ceremony, Central Park, New York City (21 May 1944) which I have quoted a number of times.

Of course, the real world demands action that presumes you know what is right. The challenge is to act with certitude while retaining the clear understanding that little is known with finality.