On measuring twice and cutting once

The worst workmen don’t measure. They just cut. The worst lawmakers are the same. Confident in their understanding, they wield law’s knife blindly.

When the worst lawmakers rule, everyone comes to resemble them. Society bleeds from a hundred wounds, and the people fight among themselves about where the next cut should be. They only agree about one thing: with bleeding this bad, it will take a deep cut to fix it.

The second worst workmen measure once and cut once. The second worst lawmakers are the same. They look to their fellows for reassurance before swinging law’s blade.

In good times, their hand is stopped, and an older brother or sister teaches them their craft. In bad times, blind siblings tell them only that they must swing faster and harder.

Good workmen measure twice and cut once. Good lawmakers are the same. Having judged the conduct the law will regulate, they judge the proposed law. They will not swing a blunt blade.

In good times, good lawmakers rule. In bad times, good lawmakers cannot make law. Their blind siblings shout that anyone who moves so slowly must surely be an amateur, unpractised with the blade.

In very good times, the second best workmen don’t measure. They just cut. The second best lawmakers are the same. Like an old butcher’s subtle knifework, their legislation follows society’s contours and hollows. With a gentle touch, they ensure that things fall as they should.

In very bad times, the second best workmen measure three times and never cut. The second best lawmakers are the same. They judge the conduct the law will regulate, the proposed law, and the character of the governing class. When it is found wanting, they retire. They refuse to be the steady hand that holds the knife for a quivering arm.

The best workmen do not measure or cut. The best lawmakers are the same. They are like an unscarred old duellist whose reputation precedes them. They smile and leave the sword in its sheath, yet their enemy backs down.

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Image: Cawood Sword by York Museums Trust (CC BY-SA 4.0)