Nine Quote by William Graham Sumner
“Nine-tenths of our measures for preventing vice are really protective towards it, because they ward off the penalty.”
About This Quote
Preventive measures often protect the offender by reducing consequences, unintentionally encouraging the vice.
In simple terms: Punishment avoidance can foster wrongdoing.
Key Takeaway
Consider unintended effects of policies.
Themes
policy
ethics
behavioral economics
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- law enforcement
- public health campaigns
- regulatory design
Key Concepts
deterrence theory
protective legislation
Questions to Reflect On
- What balance between deterrence and compassion is optimal?
- How can policies discourage rather than enable vice?
A Different Perspective
Strict penalties may be necessary but can be harsh.
![“The yearning after equality [in economic outcome] is the offspring of envy and covetousness, and there is no possible plan for satisfying that yearning which can do aught else than rob A to give to B; consequently all such plans nourish some of the meanest vices of human nature, waste capital, and…” quote by William Graham Sumner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9b4/william-graham-sumner-5011_can-do_the-yearning-after-equality-in-economic_454035.jpg)
