Certainty Quote by Solon
“In the ideal State laws are few and simple, because they have been derived from certainties. In the corrupt State laws are many and confused, because they have been derived from uncertainties.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Politics, Solon, 6th century BC
A well‑ordered society needs clear, few laws based on certainty; corruption breeds many confusing rules from doubt.
In simple terms: Simple laws from certainty; complex laws from doubt.
Key Takeaway
Seek clarity and certainty in lawmaking.
Themes
law
order
certainty
corruption
simplicity
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government drafting
- policy reform
- education on civic duty
Key Concepts
political philosophy
legal theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure laws remain simple?
- What certainties should underpin modern law?
A Different Perspective
Complexity can arise even with good intentions.
![“Know thyself. [Lat., Ne quis nimis. (From the Greek)]” quote by Solon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/21b/solon-10247_greek_know-thyself-lat-ne-quis-nimis-from-the_840292.jpg)
![“[I]f in other sciences we should arrive at certainty without doubt and truth without error, it behooves us to place the foundations of knowledge in mathematics, in so far as disposed through it we are able to reach certainty in other sciences and truth by the exclusion of error.” quote by Roger Bacon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d13/roger-bacon-15067_able_i-f-in-other-sciences-we-should-arrive-a_24209.jpg)