Ambrosius Aurelius Theodesius Macrobius Quotes
Good laws derive from evil habits.
Ambrosius Aurelius Theodesius Macrobius, 4th Century, Philosopher
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
Spinoza was one of the most feared intellectuals in human history—feared, that is, by the established power structures. Spinoza’s ideas were considered so radical and dangerous that he was the only man in history who was excommunicated by the Catholics, the Jews and the Muslims.
The word “gentlemen” did not then refer to all men. It was reserved for the aristocracy of the nation.
In America we do not have an official church that can morally speak for the society as a whole. As a result, we often use the law to make a moral statement even if the law is rarely enforced like prostitution. Sometimes we hear the expression, “There ought to be a law” as that is the only way we can express a societal moral value.
This is particularly true with legislation that tries to govern people’s personal behavior. Prohibition, banning of contraception and abortion, restrictive limits on divorce, outlawing homosexual behavior, for example, had public support when they were passed. But societal attitudes changed and the laws were first ignored and violated and then repealed, amended or declared unconstitutional.
Laws can be evaded and punishment escaped, but an openly transgressed custom brings sure punishment.
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, 1835-1910
