In "Moby-Dick," Herman Melville highlights a unique system of understanding that is more concise and thorough than historical legal texts, suggesting the superiority of this system in capturing complex ideas. The author draws a comparison with Justinian's Pandects and Chinese by-laws, illustrating how traditional legal structures often fall short in providing a comprehensive framework for navigating intricate human experiences.

This comparison underscores the value of clarity and precision in discourse, emphasizing that true knowledge can transcend conventional laws and regulations. Through this lens, Melville suggests that literature and shared human experiences can offer deeper insights than formal legal documents, promoting a richer understanding of the human condition.