“I had rather take my chance that some traitors will escape detection than spread abroad a spirit of general suspicion and distrust, which accepts rumor and gossip in place of undismayed and unintimidated inquiry.”

—  Learned Hand

Extra-judicial writings, Speech to the Board of Regents (1952)

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update June 3, 2021. History

Help us to complete the source, original and additional information

Do you have more details about the quote "I had rather take my chance that some traitors will escape detection than spread abroad a spirit of general suspicion a…" by Learned Hand?
Learned Hand photo
Learned Hand 56
American legal scholar, Court of Appeals judge 1872–1961

Related quotes

“Always remember... Rumors are carried by haters, spread by fools, and accepted by idiots.”

Ziad K Abdelnour (1960) Lebanese-born American investment banker, financier, activist and author

Source: Economic Warfare Quotes

Harriet Beecher Stowe photo

“My job is to take you to a place of fantasy and help you escape your reality. Nothing makes me happier than to put on some crazy costume and dance around. It’s what I live for.”

Erika Jayne (1969) American singer, actress and television personality

Erika Jayne interview to AXS https://www.axs.com/pain-killr-dance-queen-erika-jayne-talks-infectious-new-song-album-and-19682 (2014)

Talib Kweli photo

“We commute through computers.
Spirits stay mute while our ego spread rumors.
We're survivalists turned to consumers”

Talib Kweli (1975) American rapper

Get By (track 3)
Albums, Quality (2002)

“In general terms, satisfied states extend commitments abroad when they must, not when they can. They are motivated by necessity rather than opportunity. Rising states extend commitments abroad when they can, not when they must. They are motivated by opportunity rather than necessity.”

Charles A. Kupchan (1958) American university teacher

Source: The End of the American Era (2002), Chapter six: "The Limits of American Internationalism—Looking Ahead"
Context: Satisfied powers are those that have reached the top of the pecking order, are happy with their lot, and are primarily interested in preserving the status quo. In contrast, rising powers are states on the move. They are not satisfied with their lot, are usually struggling for recognition and influence, and are therefore looking for ways to overturn the status quo. In general terms, satisfied states extend commitments abroad when they must, not when they can. They are motivated by necessity rather than opportunity. Rising states extend commitments abroad when they can, not when they must. They are motivated by opportunity rather than necessity.

Laurie Halse Anderson photo

“Rumors are spread by jealous people”

Source: Speak

Leonardo DiCaprio photo
Robert A. Heinlein photo
Mark Rothko photo

“[I am] dealing not with the particular anecdote, but rather with the Spirit of Myth, which is generic to all myths at all times.”

Mark Rothko (1903–1970) American painter

Abstract Expressionism, David Anfam, Thames and Hudson Ltd London, 1990, p. 81
after 1970, posthumous

Related topics