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About this quote

What does it mean?
This phrase signifies a time so long ago that no living person remembers it being different.
In plain terms
It refers to the distant past beyond living memory.
What can you take from it?
Some traditions are established so long ago their origins are forgotten.

Where it applies

  • legal history
  • tradition discussions
  • historical research

Putting it to work

  • trace legal origins
  • research historical precedents
  • study customary law

Questions to consider

  • How do we verify customs without written records?
  • Does age justify a legal rule?

Another view

Relying on ancient memory can obscure actual historical changes or abuses.

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