A Quote by Felix Frankfurter

The indispensible judicial requisite is intellectual humility.

Felix Frankfurter

Quote Topics

Humility Intellectual Intellectual Humility Judicial

Quote Author

Felix Frankfurter
American - Judge
November 15, 1882 - February 22, 1965

The problem, once again, as in all sciences is the attitude of the mind that is dealing with whatever field. The problem is not philosophy but the lack of intellectual humility. It is when reason becomes arrogant that we lose track. But intellectual humility with science: this is spirituality - this is the way we are with God. So we should not be scared and we must reconcile ourselves.

Tariq Ramadan

Intellectual modesty is humility as to what I know; intellectual humility is modesty as to what I do not know

Tariq Ramadan

If you should ask me what are the ways of God, I would tell you that the first is humility, the second is humility, and the third is humility. Not that there are no other precepts to give, but if humility does not preceed all that we do, our efforts are fruitless.

Saint Augustine

Judges have to have the humility to recognize that they operate within a system of precedent, shaped by other judges equally striving to live up to the judicial oath.

John Roberts

A certain degree of intellectual humility is a good thing.

David Petraeus

If judicial review means anything, it is that judicial restraint does not allow everything.

Don Willett

I begin with humility, I act with humility, I end with humility. Humility leads to clarity. Humility leads to an open mind and a forgiving heart. With an open mind and a forgiving heart, I see every person as superior to me in some way; with every person as my teacher, I grow in wisdom. As I grow in wisdom, humility becomes ever more my guide. I begin with humility, I act with humility, I end with humility.

Eric Greitens

Live a life full of humility, gratitude, intellectual curiosity, and never stop learning.

Gza

If Americans loved judicial activism, liberals wouldn't be lying about what it is. Judicial activism means making up constitutional rights in order to strike down laws the justices don't like based on their personal preferences. It's not judicial activism to strike down laws because they violate the Constitution.

Ann Coulter

It is only through the opposition of ideas that we can learn to be self-critical, to work towards intellectual humility.

Tariq Ramadan

In the intellectual order, the virtue of humility is nothing more nor less than the power of attention.

Simone Weil

I do think the whole question of judicial accountability is a complicated one. On the one hand, you want to encourage judicial independence. And it's always, I think, problematic when an unpopular decision triggers a recall election. Because it sends a disempowering message to judges. On the other hand, it's the only way that voters have to rein in someone whose views are really so out of the mainstream of public opinion that they jeopardize the legitimacy of the judicial process.

Deborah Rhode

To the extent that the judicial profession becomes the daily routine of deciding cases on the most secure precedents and the narrowest grounds available, the judicial mind atrophies and its perspective shrinks.

Irving R. Kaufman

Practice radical humility. Take no credit for your talents, intellectual abilities, aptitudes, or proficiencies. Be in a state of awe and bewilderment.