Advantage Quote by Alexis de Tocqueville
“The best laws cannot make a constitution work in spite of morals; morals can turn the worst laws to advantage. That is a commonplace truth, but one to which my studies are always bringing me back. It is the central point in my conception. I see it at the end of all my reflections.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Democracy in America, 1835
Morals shape how laws work; good morals can make bad laws useful, and vice versa.
In simple terms: Morals influence law effectiveness.
Key Takeaway
Align law with moral values.
Themes
law
morals
constitution
political theory
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy drafting
- judicial review
- civic education
Key Concepts
ethical foundations
legal philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do societies balance law and morality?
- Can immoral laws ever serve the public good?
A Different Perspective
Morals alone cannot fix corrupt systems.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
