The legislator commands the future; to be feeble will…
“The legislator commands the future; to be feeble will avail him nothing: it is for him to will what is good and to perpetuate it; to make man what he desires to be: for the laws, working upon the social body, which is inert in itself, can produce either virtue or crime, civilized customs or savagery.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Political Writings of Saint-Just, 1794
Lawmakers shape society; they must choose good to create virtue, avoid crime, and guide civilization.
In simple terms: Leaders decide society’s moral direction.
Key Takeaway
Choose good, shape future.
Themes
law
morality
society
leadership
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- policy reform
- community building
Key Concepts
political philosophy
ethical governance
Questions to Reflect On
- What values guide your decisions?
- How can laws reflect collective good?
A Different Perspective
Laws alone cannot guarantee virtue without ethical intent.