The legislator commands the future; to be feeble will…
“The legislator commands the future; to be feeble will avail him nothing: it is for him to will what is good and to perpetuate it; to make man what he desires to be: for the laws, working upon the social body, which is inert in itself, can produce either virtue or crime, civilized customs or savagery.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Lawmakers shape society; they must choose good to create virtue, avoid crime, and guide civilization.
In simple terms: Leaders decide society’s moral direction.
Key Takeaway
Choose good, shape future.
Themes
law
morality
society
leadership
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- policy reform
- community building
Key Concepts
political philosophy
ethical governance
Questions to Reflect On
- What values guide your decisions?
- How can laws reflect collective good?
A Different Perspective
Laws alone cannot guarantee virtue without ethical intent.