The urge to pass new laws must be seen as an illness, not…
![“The urge to pass new laws must be seen as an illness, not much different from the urge to bite old women. Anyone suspected of suffering from it should either be treated with the appropriate pills or, if it is too late for that, elected to parliament [or congress, as the case may be] and paid a…” quote by Auberon Waugh](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/a82/auberon-waugh-13554_appropriate_the-urge-to-pass-new-laws-must-be-seen-a_2920019.png)
“The urge to pass new laws must be seen as an illness, not much different from the urge to bite old women. Anyone suspected of suffering from it should either be treated with the appropriate pills or, if it is too late for that, elected to parliament [or congress, as the case may be] and paid a huge salary with endless holidays, to do nothing whatever.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Critiques the desire to legislate as a pathological impulse, equating it with absurd cravings, and suggests that those afflicted become ineffective, overpaid officials.
In simple terms: Lawmaking is likened to a sickness that yields useless politicians.
Key Takeaway
Avoid creating unnecessary laws; demand accountability.
Themes
politics
legislation
corruption
bureaucracy
Mood
cynical
satirical
Type
political
social commentary
When to use this quote
- parliamentary reform
- public policy analysis
- citizen activism
Key Concepts
pathology
power dynamics
institutional critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What laws truly benefit society?
- How can we prevent self‑serving legislators?
A Different Perspective
The satire may overlook genuine need for reform.