Meaning: This quote by Mignon McLaughlin humorously captures the complex relationship between written language and the legal profession. By stating, "It took man thousands of years to put words down on paper, and his lawyers still wish he wouldn't," McLaughlin implies that the act of putting words down on paper, and by extension, the written form of communication, has both empowered and complicated the legal profession.

The first part of the quote, "It took man thousands of years to put words down on paper," alludes to the historical development of writing. Indeed, the evolution of written language spans millennia, as early humans relied on oral traditions to communicate before the advent of written symbols. The emergence of written language revolutionized human communication, enabling the preservation and transmission of knowledge across generations. From cave paintings to cuneiform script, hieroglyphics, and eventually alphabets, the process of committing thoughts, laws, and agreements to writing has been transformative for human society.

However, the second part of the quote, "and his lawyers still wish he wouldn't," introduces a wry commentary on the legal profession's relationship with written language. Lawyers, as the professional interpreters and practitioners of the law, are deeply entrenched in the written word. Legal documents, contracts, statutes, and case law are all essential components of the legal system, and they rely heavily on precise and unambiguous language.

Despite this reliance on written communication, McLaughlin's quote suggests that lawyers, as representatives of their clients, often grapple with the limitations and ambiguities of written language. The nature of legal language itself can be dense, convoluted, and open to interpretation, leading to protracted disputes and complex legal proceedings. Furthermore, the act of committing one's thoughts, intentions, and agreements to writing can sometimes lead to unintended consequences or misinterpretations, complicating legal matters further.

The quote also hints at the tension between the necessity of written documentation in the legal field and the potential pitfalls it poses. While the permanence and precision of written language are crucial for legal proceedings, the inherent limitations of written expression can also be a source of frustration for lawyers. The legal profession often navigates a delicate balance between leveraging the clarity and authority of written documents and grappling with the ambiguities and potential loopholes they may contain.

In conclusion, Mignon McLaughlin's quote encapsulates the profound impact of written language on human society and the intricate relationship between the legal profession and the written word. It serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the enduring challenges and complexities that lawyers face in their engagement with written communication. Despite the historical significance and transformative power of putting words down on paper, the legal profession continues to navigate the nuances and intricacies of written language in its pursuit of justice and clarity.