Laws which can be broken without any wrong to one's…
![“Laws which can be broken without any wrong to one's neighbor are a laughing-stock; and such laws, instead of restraining the appetites and lusts of mankind, serve rather to heighten them. Nitimur in vetitum semper, cupimusque negata [we always resist prohibitions, and yearn for what is denied us].” quote by Baruch Spinoza](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/8b9/baruch-spinoza-1338_appetite_laws-which-can-be-broken-without-any-wro_1425059.jpg)
“Laws which can be broken without any wrong to one's neighbor are a laughing-stock; and such laws, instead of restraining the appetites and lusts of mankind, serve rather to heighten them. Nitimur in vetitum semper, cupimusque negata [we always resist prohibitions, and yearn for what is denied us].”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Laws that cannot harm others yet are broken for amusement actually increase desire, not restrain it.
In simple terms: Bad laws boost desire.
Key Takeaway
Question unjust laws.
Themes
law
morality
human nature
desire
society
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- education
- public policy
- personal conduct
- civic engagement
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people cherish forbidden things?
- How can societies redesign laws to reduce temptation?
A Different Perspective
Such laws may reflect deeper cultural values that resist change.