Commandments Quote by Gary North
“The politics of envy is the politics of this commandment: "Thou shalt not steal, except by majority vote." It is the politics of two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Politics of Envy, 1998
Envy corrupts politics, turning moral rules into majority‑rule whims, where the powerful dictate what is stolen.
In simple terms: Envy makes politics selfish and arbitrary.
Key Takeaway
Guard against majority rule that overrides ethics.
Themes
politics
ethics
power dynamics
Mood
critical
analytical
skeptical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- corporate lobbying
- public policy
- community decisions
Key Concepts
social contract
majority tyranny
morality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance majority will with moral law?
- What safeguards prevent the “two wolves” from dominating?
A Different Perspective
Majority can protect minority rights; not always a problem.
![“the precepts of an absolutely perfect life, since they are the same in each Testament, have pointed out [to us] the same God, who certainly has promulgated particular laws adapted for each; but the more prominent and the greatest [commandments], without which salvation cannot [be attained], He has…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/415/the-church-fathers-1438_commandments_the-precepts-of-an-absolutely-perfect-li_33593.jpg)
