Edward Coke

Sir Edward Coke (1552–1634) was an English jurist and politician who served as Attorney General and Chief Justice of the King's Bench. He authored influential reports and Institutes that shaped common law and defended the rule of law; the quoted remark reflects his emphasis on legal certainty as a foundation for social order.

Quotes by Edward Coke

Quotes: 1

Certainty is the mother of quiet and repose, and uncertainty the cause of variance and contentions. — Edward Coke

Certainty’s Role in Fostering Peaceful Societies

Although absolute certainty may be unattainable in many areas of life, societies continually strive for it to minimize discord. From scientific inquiry, which seeks reliable truths through evidence, to democratic processes that establish transparent rules for governance, the pursuit of clarity remains central. Thus, Coke’s insights remind us that stability ultimately depends on our ability to cultivate—however imperfectly—the conditions under which certainty can thrive. [...]

Created on: 5/3/2025