A crime persevered in a thousand centuries ceases to be a…
“A crime persevered in a thousand centuries ceases to be a crime, and becomes a virtue. This is the law of custom, and custom supersedes all other forms of law.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When a crime becomes widely accepted over centuries, it transforms into a virtue, showing how customs reshape moral law.
In simple terms: Custom can turn crime into virtue over time.
Beware of changing norms.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- cultural change
- social movements
- education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we discern harmful customs?
- When should laws resist custom?
Customs can be harmful despite acceptance.