Meaning: This quote by Robert Bolt, a renowned playwright, offers a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of law and its role in society. Bolt's statement challenges the commonly held belief that the law serves as a guiding light or an instrument for individuals to achieve their goals. Instead, he presents the law as a causeway, a path or roadway, upon which citizens can safely navigate their lives.

Bolt's metaphor of the law as a causeway emphasizes its function as a stabilizing and guiding force in society. Just as a causeway provides a safe route for travelers to traverse difficult terrain, the law is depicted as a structure that allows citizens to navigate the complexities of social interaction and governance. It suggests that the law serves to create a stable and secure foundation for individuals to conduct their affairs within a community.

The notion that the law is not a "light" for individuals to see by challenges the idea that the law provides clear and direct guidance for personal decision-making. Instead, Bolt seems to suggest that the law sets boundaries and parameters within which individuals can operate, rather than offering specific instructions or solutions for every situation. This view aligns with the concept of the rule of law, which emphasizes the importance of legal principles and procedures in regulating behavior and upholding justice, rather than providing personal guidance or moral direction.

Furthermore, Bolt's assertion that the law is not an instrument of any kind challenges the idea that the law can be wielded as a tool for personal gain or manipulation. This perspective highlights the inherent integrity and impartiality of the law, presenting it as a framework for justice and fairness rather than a means for individuals or groups to advance their own agendas. By portraying the law as distinct from any particular instrument or tool, Bolt emphasizes its universal and objective nature, suggesting that it exists to serve the common good rather than individual interests.

The final part of the quote, "a causeway upon which so long as he keeps to it a citizen may walk safely," underscores the idea that adherence to the law provides a sense of security and stability for individuals within a society. By following the established legal norms and principles, citizens can navigate their lives without fear of arbitrary punishment or unjust interference. This reinforces the concept of the law as a safeguard for individual rights and freedoms, providing a structure within which citizens can exercise their agency while respecting the boundaries set by the legal system.

In summary, Robert Bolt's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the nature and function of the law in society. By portraying the law as a causeway, Bolt emphasizes its role as a stabilizing and guiding force that provides a framework for social interaction and governance. This metaphor challenges conventional notions of the law as a guiding light or a personal instrument, highlighting its broader significance as a universal and impartial structure that fosters safety and security for citizens. Bolt's words prompt reflection on the fundamental principles and purposes of the law, inviting us to consider the ways in which it shapes and sustains the fabric of our communities.