This quote suggests that having a period where legislative activity is limited or halted can be beneficial. It implies that there might be value in taking a break from constantly passing new laws, allowing time for reflection and evaluation before diving back into making more regulations.
At a deeper level, the statement underscores the importance of balance in governance and lawmaking. William Howard Taft’s observation highlights how continuous legislative activity without intervals can lead to inefficiencies, where hastily drafted or unnecessary laws might be enacted simply because lawmakers are pressured to produce results regularly. The idea behind this quote is that taking breaks from legislation can foster a clearer perspective on what truly needs to be addressed and improve the quality of new laws by ensuring they have been well thought out.
William Howard Taft was the 27th President of the United States, serving from 1909 to 1913. Prior to his presidency, he served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. His perspective on governance often reflected a belief in stability and deliberation within legal and governmental systems.