Law Quote by Steven Pinker
““Violence between the combatants may be called war; violence by the bystander against the combatants may be called law. The Leviathan theory, in a nutshell, is that law is better than war.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Better Angels of Our Nature, Steven Pinker, 2011
Law offers a structured, less violent alternative to war, though both are forms of violence.
In simple terms: Law is a civilized substitute for war.
Promote rule of law over force.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- peacebuilding
- international diplomacy
- civil rights advocacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can law be made truly just?
- When does law become a tool of oppression?
Law can be imperfect and still perpetuate violence.