I still don't like authority exercised without reason. But they laugh at you at Cambridge if you say that sort of thing. For them, the law is a system of rules not that different from mathematics.
This quote highlights a common tension between advocating for rational authority and the academic culture that often values strict adherence to rules. It questions the justification for authority if it isn't based on reason, emphasizing the importance of logic and fairness. The mention of Cambridge humorously suggests that such views might be unconventional or dismissed in certain intellectual circles. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of critical thinking and rational debate in the understanding and application of law and authority.