Men are not therefore put to death, or punished for that…
“Men are not therefore put to death, or punished for that their theft proceedeth from election; but because it was noxious and contrary to men's preservation, and the punishment conducing to the preservation of the rest, inasmuch as to punish those that do voluntary hurt, and none else, frameth and maketh men's wills such as men would have them.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Laws against theft protect society because theft harms the common good; punishment deters voluntary harm to preserve the community.
In simple terms: Punishing theft protects everyone.
Key Takeaway
Enforce laws to safeguard society.
Themes
justice
social order
property
preservation
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- courtrooms
- legislative debates
- community safety initiatives
Key Concepts
Social contract
collective security
deterrence
Questions to Reflect On
- Is punishment alone enough to prevent theft?
- How can society address the root causes of crime?
A Different Perspective
Strict punishment may not address underlying causes of theft.