Affair Quote by John Calvin
“Were the judgments of mankind correct, custom would be regulated by the good. But it is often far otherwise in point of fact; for, whatever the many are seen to do, forthwith obtains the force of custom. But human affairs have scarcely ever been so happily constituted as that the better course pleased the greater number. Hence the private vices of the multitude have generally resulted in public error, or rather that common consent in vice which these worthy men would have to be law.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1536
Customs arise from majority behavior, not necessarily from moral goodness, leading to collective error.
In simple terms: Customs follow what most people do, not what is right.
Key Takeaway
Question the moral basis of prevailing customs.
Themes
custom
morality
society
law
collective behavior
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legislation
- community standards
- business practices
- education curricula
Key Concepts
sociology
ethics
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What customs do you accept without scrutiny?
- How can societies correct harmful traditions?
A Different Perspective
Customs may persist despite evidence of harm or injustice.
