Meaning: This quote by Edward Levi, a prominent public servant and legal scholar, encapsulates the complex and dynamic nature of law as a tool for practical action. In his statement, Levi highlights the responsiveness of law to the prevailing wisdom of its time, acknowledging that this wisdom may not always be correct. However, he also emphasizes that the law carries forward a memory of received values, often in opposition to prevailing wisdom or passion. This quote underscores the tension between the evolving nature of law and its role as a preserver of enduring principles.

Levi's assertion that law is responsive to the wisdom of its time reflects the idea that legal systems are not static entities but are shaped by the social, political, and cultural context in which they exist. The laws and legal interpretations that emerge are influenced by the prevailing attitudes, beliefs, and values of a given society at a particular point in time. This responsiveness allows the law to adapt to changing circumstances and address new challenges that arise within a community.

However, Levi also acknowledges that the wisdom of the time may be flawed, suggesting that the prevailing attitudes and values that shape the law are not always infallible. This recognition of potential fallibility highlights the importance of critical reflection and examination of the prevailing wisdom that informs legal decision-making. It also underscores the need for legal systems to be open to evolving perspectives and new insights that may challenge established norms.

Levi's assertion that the law carries forward a memory of received values speaks to the idea that legal systems are not solely shaped by contemporary perspectives and immediate concerns. Instead, they are informed by a rich legacy of principles, precedents, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. This "memory" of received values serves as a repository of enduring ethical, moral, and legal principles that provide stability and continuity to the legal system.

Moreover, Levi's suggestion that the law may carry forward this memory of received values in opposition to prevailing wisdom or passion highlights the role of the law as a counterbalance to transient or short-sighted societal attitudes. This implies that the law has a responsibility to uphold fundamental values and principles, even when doing so may run counter to popular opinion or prevailing emotions. In this sense, the law serves as a guardian of essential norms and rights, providing a bulwark against the potential excesses of temporary passions or misguided collective beliefs.

In conclusion, Edward Levi's quote encapsulates the nuanced relationship between law and the prevailing wisdom of its time. It underscores the dynamic and responsive nature of legal systems while also emphasizing their role as custodians of enduring values and principles. This perspective invites thoughtful consideration of the complex interplay between evolving societal norms and the timeless foundations of justice and morality within the legal landscape.