The 16th century humanist Michel du Montaigne wisely wrote there is "no knowledge so hard to acquire as the knowledge of how to live well and naturally." Two centuries later, Immanuel Kant dared enlightened thinkers to be wise by thinking for themselves—not to follow along like herd animals, "domestic cattle." Of course a thriving democracy is the antithesis of a polity of domestic cattle.

Fast-forward to 2024 and the overwhelming political, legal and constitutional issues in the country and consider the enlightened words of wisdom provided by a few lawyers and a preacher.