As long as it is admitted that the law may be diverted…
“As long as it is admitted that the law may be diverted from its true purpose--that it may violate property instead of protecting it--then everyone will want to participate in making the law, either to protect himself against plunder or to use it for plunder.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When law serves private greed instead of protecting rights, people will manipulate it for personal gain.
In simple terms: Law can be twisted for selfish ends.
Key Takeaway
Guard rights, prevent exploitation.
Themes
law
property
greed
justice
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political reform
- legal advocacy
- civil rights activism
Key Concepts
liberalism
public policy
economic theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure laws protect rather than enable plunder?
- What safeguards prevent legal manipulation?
A Different Perspective
If property protections are weak, exploitation may persist despite reforms.