Law Quote by Will Durant
““In this loose structure law was weak, unpopular, and diverse. The people preferred to be ruled by custom, and to settle their disputes by face-saving compromises out of court. They expressed their view of litigation by such pithy proverbs as “Sue a flea and catch a bite,” or “Win your lawsuit, lose your money.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Story of Civilization, Volume II, 1935
The law was ineffective and disliked, so people chose customary, informal ways to resolve conflicts, often using witty sayings to criticize litigation.
In simple terms: People avoided formal law, preferring customs and witty sayings about lawsuits.
Key Takeaway
Rely on community norms and practical solutions over costly legal battles.
Themes
law
custom
conflict resolution
society
pragmatism
Mood
skeptical
reflective
pragmatic
Type
observational
analytical
When to use this quote
- rural disputes
- small business conflicts
- family disagreements
- community mediation
Key Concepts
legal efficacy
social norms
informal justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance tradition with fair legal systems?
- When is informal dispute resolution preferable?
A Different Perspective
Informal methods may lack fairness and consistency, leading to unequal outcomes.
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