Some Reflections on the Philosophy of Law

Extract

It is recorded in the annals of Ouchronia that Robinson Crusoe, shortly after his return home, met a college friend, who forthwith invited him to deliver a public lecture to his constituents on the “Principles of Political Science as exhibited in an Island State’. Ignorance, eagerness to mix once more with his fellow citizens, and an hypnotic state superinduced by the splendour of the topic proposed, concurred to make the unwary traveller accept the invitation. A very few days of reflection were sufficient, however, to reveal to him the full extent of his impotence and of his audacity; and the chronicle goes on to record that he hastily put his affairs in order, and set sail without delay. upon his second voyage. I have felt much sympathy in the last few weeks with Robinson Crusoe in his quandary; but unlike him, I propose to throw myself upon your indulgence, only asking you to make allowance for a nearly life-long absence from the atmosphere of universities, libraries, and great tribunals.