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Arise Quote by Walter Savage Landor

“Whatever is worthy to be loved for anything is worthy of preservation. A wise and dispassionate legislator, if any such should ever arise among men, will not condemn to death him who has done or is likely to do more service than injury to society. Blocks and gibbets are the nearest objects with…” quote by Walter Savage Landor
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“Whatever is worthy to be loved for anything is worthy of preservation. A wise and dispassionate legislator, if any such should ever arise among men, will not condemn to death him who has done or is likely to do more service than injury to society. Blocks and gibbets are the nearest objects with legislators, and their business is never with hopes or with virtues.”

Walter Savage Landor

About This Quote

Source Essay: "On the Preservation of Worthy Things", 1795

Things truly valuable deserve protection; legislators should safeguard those who benefit society, not punish them.

In simple terms: Valuable things need protection; good people should be saved.

Key Takeaway

Protect the worthy, not punish.

Themes

justice preservation legislation

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • court decisions
  • policy making
  • social reform

Key Concepts

ethics public good policy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What criteria should guide preservation?
  • How to prevent misuse of authority?
A Different Perspective

Power can be misused, leading to unjust punishment.

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