Oliver Wendell Holmes

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (March 8, 1841 – March 6, 1935) was an American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1902 to 1932, and as Acting Chief Justice of the United States January–February 1930. Noted for his long service, his concise and pithy opinions and his deference to the decisions of elected legislatures, he is one of the most widely cited United States Supreme Court justices in history, particularly for his “clear and present danger” opinion for a unanimous Court in the 1919 case of Schenck v. United States, and is one of the most influential American common law judges, honored during his lifetime in Great Britain as well as the United States. Holmes retired from the Court at the age of 90 years, 309 days, making him the oldest Justice in the Supreme Court’s history.

“The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving.” Oliver Wendell Holmes

“Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” Oliver Wendell Holmes

“Many people die with their music still in them. Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it time runs out.” Oliver Wendell Holmes

“The mind of a bigot is like the pupil of an eye. The more light you shine on it, the more it will contract.” Oliver Wendell Holmes

“It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.” Oliver Wendell Holmes

“Pretty much all the honest truth telling in the world is done by children.” Oliver Wendell Holmes