Constant Quote by Aristotle
“In all well-attempered governments there is nothing which should be more jealously maintained than the spirit of obedience to law, more especially in small matters; for transgression creeps in unperceived and at last ruins the state, just as the constant recurrence of small expenses in time eats up a fortune.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Politics, Book III, Aristotle, 4th century BC
A well-ordered state must guard obedience to law, especially in minor issues, because unnoticed violations erode the whole system.
In simple terms: Obedience to law prevents small breaches from destroying a state.
Key Takeaway
Enforce law consistently, even in minor matters.
Themes
law
government
order
integrity
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
advisory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public administration
- legal enforcement
- municipal governance
- corporate compliance
Key Concepts
political philosophy
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure minor rule breaches are detected early?
- What mechanisms can prevent small transgressions from escalating?
A Different Perspective
Small infractions can accumulate unnoticed, leading to larger failures.
