Common Quote by Saint Augustine
“Human law cannot punish or forbid all evil, since while doing away with evils it would do away with many good things, which would hinder the advance of the common good.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: City of God, Book 5, 426 AD
Law cannot eliminate all evil without also removing many good things, which can impede overall societal progress.
In simple terms: Law can’t ban all evil without also harming good.
Key Takeaway
Balance law with moral judgment.
Themes
ethics
law
common good
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legislation
- community planning
- social reform
Key Concepts
philosophy
theology
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- How should societies prioritize good vs. evil?
- What limits should law have?
A Different Perspective
Legal systems cannot address every moral nuance.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
