Arabia Quote by Gerald Heaney
![“How dangerous it is rashly to adopt the Mosaical institutions [Old Testament teachings of eye for an eye]. Laws might have been proper for a tribe of ardent barbarians wandering through the sands of Arabia which are wholly unfit for an enlightened people of civilized and gentle manners.” quote by Gerald Heaney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/474/gerald-heaney-75147_arabia_how-dangerous-it-is-rashly-to-adopt-the_2847089.jpg)
“How dangerous it is rashly to adopt the Mosaical institutions [Old Testament teachings of eye for an eye]. Laws might have been proper for a tribe of ardent barbarians wandering through the sands of Arabia which are wholly unfit for an enlightened people of civilized and gentle manners.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Unknown, possibly personal essay
The quote argues that ancient retributive laws are unsuitable for modern, civilized societies.
In simple terms: Old laws don’t fit modern civility.
Key Takeaway
Reevaluate outdated legal principles.
Themes
law
civilization
morality
justice
progress
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- modern legal systems
- human rights advocacy
- policy drafting
- educational curricula
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
retributive justice
cultural evolution
legal reform
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance justice with compassion?
- What modern principles replace “eye for an eye”?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the need for proportional accountability in some contexts.
![“If Moses is our lawgiver [Old Testament prophet given laws by God] at this time let us obey him, not in part only, but wholly, and put every Sabbath breaker, blasphemer, and adulterer to death.” quote by Gerald Heaney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/328/gerald-heaney-75147_bible_if-moses-is-our-lawgiver-old-testament-p_157103.jpg)
![“We're defending Saudi Arabia? And with all of the money they have, we're defending them, and they're not paying? All you have to do is speak to them. Wait. You have so many different things you have to be able to do, and I don't believe that Hillary [Clinton] has the stamina.” quote by Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0a5/donald-trump-18_able_we-re-defending-saudi-arabia-and-with-al_72517.jpg)
