Meaning: The quote "If Moses had gone to Harvard Law School and spent three years working on the Hill, he would have written the Ten Commandments with three exceptions and a saving clause" by Charles Morgan, a novelist, offers a humorous and thought-provoking perspective on the intersection of law, morality, and religious tradition. This quote draws attention to the idea that legal education and experience in the political arena can influence the way laws and ethical principles are formulated. In order to fully understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to examine the contexts of Harvard Law School, the concept of the Ten Commandments, and the implications of legal training on the formulation of laws and moral codes.

Harvard Law School is one of the most prestigious law schools in the world. It is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum and its influence on legal scholarship and practice. The reference to Harvard Law School in the quote reflects the idea of advanced legal education and training. It suggests that individuals who undergo such education may approach the formulation of laws and ethical principles with a certain level of sophistication and nuance.

The mention of "working on the Hill" in the quote alludes to the political landscape of the United States, specifically the Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Working on the Hill often refers to being involved in the legislative process, which involves creating, amending, and passing laws. This part of the quote implies that practical experience in the realm of politics and lawmaking can shape one's perspective on legal and moral issues.

The quote's reference to Moses, the biblical figure attributed with receiving the Ten Commandments from God, is significant. The Ten Commandments are a set of ethical and moral imperatives that, according to the Hebrew Bible, were given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai. These commandments form a foundational aspect of the moral and legal traditions in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. They are seen as divine laws that guide the behavior of believers and are considered fundamental to the ethical frameworks of these religious traditions.

By juxtaposing the figure of Moses with the hypothetical scenario of him attending Harvard Law School and working on Capitol Hill, the quote humorously suggests that even a figure as revered as Moses might approach the formulation of moral principles differently if influenced by legal education and political experience. It implies that the Ten Commandments, which are traditionally perceived as absolute and unalterable, might have been written with "three exceptions and a saving clause" if approached from a legalistic standpoint.

Furthermore, the quote highlights the contrast between religious and legal modes of thinking. It raises questions about the intersection of religious beliefs and legal reasoning, and how the application of legal principles might differ from the absolute nature of religious commandments. The humor in the quote lies in the idea of Moses, a revered religious figure, being shaped by the legal and political dynamics of contemporary society, which challenges the notion of timeless, immutable moral laws.

In a broader sense, the quote prompts reflection on the relationship between law and morality. It raises the question of whether legal training and political experience can influence the formulation of moral and ethical principles. It also invites consideration of how legal frameworks and moral codes interact and whether they can be reconciled or if they inherently conflict with each other.

In conclusion, Charles Morgan's quote offers a lighthearted yet thought-provoking commentary on the potential influence of legal education and political experience on the formulation of moral and ethical principles. By referencing Harvard Law School, the Ten Commandments, and the political landscape, the quote encourages contemplation of the intersection of law, morality, and religious tradition. It serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play when legal and moral principles intersect, and the potential impact of legal education and political experience on shaping these fundamental aspects of human society.