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About this quote

What does it mean?
Laws should improve behavior because current manners are poor.
In plain terms
Make good laws since people are behaving badly.
What can you take from it?
Use laws to correct bad behavior.

Where it applies

  • lawmaking
  • public policy
  • social reform

Putting it to work

  • review existing laws
  • draft new regulations
  • enforce rules

Questions to consider

  • Can laws change behavior?
  • Should laws focus on manners?

Another view

Laws cannot fix all moral failings.

More from Ben Jonson

  1. If all you boast of your great art be true; Sure, willing poverty lives most in you.

    Permalink to quote #19
  2. He that fears death, or mourns it, in the just, Shows of the resurrection little trust.

    Permalink to quote #21
  3. Pray thee, take care, that tak'st my book in hand, To read it well: that is, to understand.

    Permalink to quote #18

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