When we violate the law ourselves, whatever short-term…
“When we violate the law ourselves, whatever short-term advantage may be gained, we are obviously encouraging others to violate the law; we thus encourage disorder and instability and thereby do incalculable damage to our own long-term interests.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Violating law for short gain encourages others, leading to disorder and long‑term damage.
In simple terms: Breaking law harms everyone eventually.
Key Takeaway
U integrity.
Themes
ethics
law
societal stability
Mood
serious
warning
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- Corporate fraud
- political corruption
- environmental violations
Key Concepts
Moral hazard
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies deter minor infractions?
- What long‑term costs arise from widespread lawbreaking?
A Different Perspective
Short‑term gains can seem tempting.