Some men look at constitutions with sanctimonious reverence, and deem them like the arc of the covenant, too sacred to be touched. They ascribe to the men of the preceding age a wisdom more than human, and suppose what they did to be beyond amendment. I knew that age well; I belonged to it, and labored with it. It deserved well of its country. It was very like the present, but without the experience of the present; and forty years of experience in government is worth a century of book-reading; and this they would say themselves, were they to rise from the dead.
The passage reflects on how some individuals hold constitutions in an almost religious reverence, treating them as untouchable artifacts from the past. These people believe that the founders possessed an unparalleled wisdom, leaving behind rules that should never be altered. Jefferson, however, argues that while the previous generation contributed significantly to the nation, they lacked the insights gained from additional years of governance. This perspective emphasizes that practical experience in leadership is invaluable.
Jefferson suggests that the founders would likely acknowledge that their understanding was limited compared to what current leaders have learned through experience. He highlights the importance of adapting to change and recognizes that the constitution should not be seen as inflexible or perfect but rather as a living document that can benefit from ongoing evolution and human insight.
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