Citizens Quote by Aristotle
“For legislators make the citizens good by forming habits in them, and this is the wish of every legislator, and those who do not effect it miss their mark, and it is in this that a good constitution differs from a bad one.”
About This Quote
Legislators shape citizens by cultivating habits; a good constitution fosters virtuous habits, unlike a bad one.
In simple terms: Laws work through habit formation.
Key Takeaway
Design institutions that nurture virtuous habits.
Themes
governance
virtue
habit formation
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education policy
- public health
- civic programs
Key Concepts
political theory
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can laws effectively instill good habits?
- What habits define a thriving society?
A Different Perspective
Habits are hard to change without cultural support.
![“The virtues [moral excellence] therefore are engendered in us neither by nature nor yet in violation of nature; nature gives us the capacity to receive them, and this capacity is brought to maturity by habit.” quote by Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/653/aristotle-78_capacity_the-virtues-moral-excellence-therefore-a_1076391.jpg)
