This quote suggests that laws were initially established without any logical or rational basis, but over time, they have evolved to become reasonable or make sense. In other words, laws were first introduced as arbitrary rules, but with the passage of time, they have been refined, reinterpreted, and adjusted to meet the changing needs and understanding of society, thus becoming ‘reasonable’.
The phrase "without reason" doesn’t necessarily mean that the first laws were irrational or senseless. Instead, it could mean that they were introduced without the comprehensive understanding of justice, fairness, and societal implications that we have today. As society progressed, so did our understanding of these concepts, leading to the evolution and refinement of these laws.
Applying this concept to today’s world, we can see that laws continue to evolve. For instance, laws related to digital privacy, cybercrime, or environmental protection are relatively new and are continuously being updated to keep up with technological advancements and changing societal values.
In terms of personal development, it suggests that rules or habits we initially adopt may not always make sense or seem beneficial. However, as we grow and evolve, we may find these rules becoming more ‘reasonable’ as we understand their value in structuring our lives, maintaining discipline, or achieving our goals. Just like laws, our personal rules and habits can and should evolve over time to reflect our changing understanding and needs.