The phrase ‘Inherit the Wind’ is derived from the Bible, specifically Proverbs 11:29, which states, ‘He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.’ This verse suggests that those who cause strife within their own family or community will end up with nothing substantial, symbolized by ‘inheriting the wind.’
In the context of the play ‘Inherit the Wind’ by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, the title serves as a metaphor for the futility of fighting against progress and knowledge. The play, which is a fictionalized account of the 1925 Scopes ‘Monkey’ Trial, explores the conflict between fundamentalism and the teaching of evolution. The title implies that those who resist change and cling to outdated beliefs will ultimately gain nothing, much like inheriting the wind.
The phrase also underscores the central theme of the play: the importance of intellectual freedom and the dangers of dogmatism. By choosing this title, the authors highlight the consequences of refusing to adapt and evolve in the face of new scientific discoveries and societal changes.