The only way to eliminate any government choice on what art is worthwhile, what art isn't worthwhile, is to get the government totally out of the business of funding.
Antonin ScaliaRead
If there's anything you absolutely hate, why, it must be unconstitutional. Or, if there's anything you absolutely have to have, it must be required by the Constitution. That's where we are. That is utterly mindless.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the arbitrary nature of laws and personal desires in relation to the Constitution.
Antonin Scalia's quote reflects on the absurdity of using the Constitution as a basis for personal aversions and desires. He suggests that if something is intensely disliked, it is often labeled unconstitutional, while if something is desired, it is seen as a constitutional requirement, thus highlighting the inconsistencies and irrationalities in how people interpret the law to suit their personal views.
Themes
ConstitutionLawPhilosophyAbsurdityPersonal Desires
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on constitutional rights, one might say this quote to emphasize the subjective interpretation of the law.
More from Antonin Scalia
All quotes →If I have brought any message today, it is this: Have the courage to have your wisdom regarded as stupidity. Be fools for Christ. And have the courage to suffer the contempt of the sophisticated world.
Antonin ScaliaRead
To allow the policy question of same-sex marriage to be considered and resolved by a select, patrician, highly unrepresentative panel of nine is to violate a principle even more fundamental than no taxation without representation: no social transformation without representation.
Antonin ScaliaRead
Until the courts put a stop to it, public debate over same-sex marriage displayed American democracy at its best. Individuals on both sides of the issue passionately, but respectfully, attempted to persuade their fellow citizens to accept their views.
Antonin ScaliaRead
Being a good person begins with being a wise person. Then, when you follow your conscience, will you be headed in the right direction.
Antonin ScaliaRead
If you're going to be a good and faithful judge, you have to resign yourself to the fact that you're not always going to like the conclusions you reach. If you like them all the time, you're probably doing something wrong.
Antonin ScaliaRead
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