Balance Quote by John Locke
“Moral laws are set as a curb and restraint to these exorbitant desires, which they cannot be but by rewards and punishments, that will over-balance the satisfaction any one shall propose to himself in the breach of the law.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Second Treatise of Government, 1689
Moral laws limit excessive desires, using rewards and punishments to keep personal satisfaction in check.
In simple terms: Laws curb extreme desires with incentives and penalties.
Key Takeaway
Balance desire with societal rules.
Themes
morality
law
desire
control
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- policy design
- education
- self‑control
Key Concepts
social contract
ethical regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do rewards shape moral behavior?
- What limits should laws have?
A Different Perspective
L may not address all motivations.
![“The true fountains of evidence [are] the head and heart of every rational and honest man. It is there nature has written her moral laws, and where every man may read them for himself.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4fc/thomas-jefferson-43_every-man_the-true-fountains-of-evidence-are-the-h_163246.jpg)
![“[M]an is not permitted without censure to follow his own thoughts in the search of truth, when they lead him ever so little out of the common road.” quote by John Locke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9bd/john-locke-814_censorship_m-an-is-not-permitted-without-censure-to_60175.jpg)
