Now since man is naturally inclined to avoid pain - and…
“Now since man is naturally inclined to avoid pain - and since labor is pain in itself - it follows that men will resort to plunder whenever plunder is easier than work. History shows this quite clearly. And under these conditions, neither religion nor morality can stop it. When, then, does plunder stop? It stops when it becomes more painful and more dangerous than labor. It is evident, then, that the proper purpose of law is to use the power of its collective force to stop this fatal tendency to plunder instead of to work. All the measures of the law should protect property and punish plunder.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human nature tends toward avoiding pain, so people choose plunder when it seems easier than work; law must make plunder more costly than labor.
In simple terms: People avoid pain, so they steal if it's easier; law should make stealing harder than work.
Key Takeaway
Make plunder more painful than work.
Themes
human nature
law
economics
morality
property
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
theoretical
policy
When to use this quote
- government policy
- business regulation
- crime prevention
- social contract
Key Concepts
self‑interest
collective enforcement
deterrence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance enforcement costs with deterrence?
- What incentives reduce the appeal of plunder?
A Different Perspective
If law is weak, plunder persists; enforcement costs can be high.