The law may upset reason but reason may never upset the law, or our whole society will shred like an old tatami. The law may be used to confound reason, reason must certainly not be used to overthrow the law.
The quote emphasizes the importance of adhering to the law, even when it conflicts with reason. It suggests that while the law can sometimes be illogical or unjust, maintaining legal order is crucial for societal stability. If reason were allowed to override the law, it could lead to chaos and disorder, analogous to the disintegration of a tatami mat.
This reflects the idea that laws are foundational to society; they must be respected to prevent chaos. Clavell illustrates the tension between reason and law, advocating for a system where the law is upheld to protect the fabric of society, highlighting the potential consequences of disregarding legal frameworks.
