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The text begins by saying that the gods Anu, Enlil and…

“The text begins by saying that the gods Anu, Enlil and Marduk – the leading deities of the Mesopotamian pantheon – appointed Hammurabi ‘to make justice prevail in the land, to abolish the wicked and the evil, to prevent the strong from oppressing the weak’.” quote by Yuval Noah Harari
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““The text begins by saying that the gods Anu, Enlil and Marduk – the leading deities of the Mesopotamian pantheon – appointed Hammurabi ‘to make justice prevail in the land, to abolish the wicked and the evil, to prevent the strong from oppressing the weak’.””

Yuval Noah Harari

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Hammurabi was appointed by the gods to protect the weak and enforce justice against the powerful.

In simple terms: Divine authority used to legitimize law.

Key Takeaway

Uphold justice for the vulnerable.

Themes

law justice power divine authority

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical historical

When to use this quote

  • legal reforms
  • human rights advocacy
  • government policy

Key Concepts

ethical governance social contract

Questions to Reflect On

  • What modern sources legitimize law?
  • How ensure justice stay fair?
A Different Perspective

Divine justification may be contested or misused.

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