The brain may devise laws for the blood, but a hot temper leaps o'er a cold decree

The brain may devise laws for the blood, but a hot temper leaps o'er a cold decree

In William Shakespeare's play "Measure for Measure," the character Escalus speaks the line, "The brain may devise laws for the blood, but a hot temper leaps o'er a cold decree." This quote highlights the tension between reason and emotion, and the struggle to reconcile the two in matters of justice and governance.

In the play, Escalus is a wise and rational character who serves as the voice of reason in the Duke's absence. He believes in upholding the law and maintaining order in society through a system of rules and regulations. However, he also recognizes the limitations of the law when it comes to dealing with human emotions and passions.

The quote suggests that while the brain may come up with logical and rational laws to govern society, human emotions such as anger and passion can often override these laws. This is particularly true when it comes to matters of justice, where the desire for revenge or retribution can lead individuals to act impulsively and irrationally, disregarding the consequences of their actions.