Les mis Quote by Victor Hugo
““Fex urbis, lex orbis" (The dregs of the city, the law of the earth), from Les Miserables, attributed to St. Jerome””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Les Misérables, 1862
Societal rules reflect the state of civilization; the lowest elements reveal the law governing the world.
In simple terms: The condition of a city shows its underlying order.
Key Takeaway
Observe how environment shapes behavior.
Themes
society
law
morality
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
literary
political
When to use this quote
- city planning
- political reform
- community building
- law enforcement
Key Concepts
social contract
urban decay
Questions to Reflect On
- What does a city’s “dregs” reveal about its governance?
- How can law improve urban conditions?
A Different Perspective
Attributing moral law to a city’s dregs may oversimplify complex causes.
![“find yourself inexplicably joyful, do not panic. Remain calm and heed the advice of English humorist Jerome K. Jerome: “Don’t show [your happiness] but grumble along with the rest.” For the British, happiness is a transatlantic import. And by “transatlantic” they mean American. And by “American”…” quote by Eric Weiner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/97d/eric-weiner-1843_happiness_find-yourself-inexplicably-joyful-do-not_2167080.jpg)
