Quotes Library

December 25, 2025

The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread.

Anatole France (1844–1924), French poet, journalist, novelist, The Portable Curmudgeon, Jon Winokur, ed. (New York: 1987), p.167

You are a law-maker, so what legal models (that is, purposes served by laws) do you support? Punitive? Rehabilitative? Restorative?

Those 27 words lay out better than anyone ever has the argument for equity over mere equality.


More Quotes

September 27, 2025
When the lay public rallies round to an idea that is denounced by distinguished but elderly scientists
July 27, 2025
The illusion that times that were are better than those that are, has probably pervaded all ages.
May 21, 2025
There never was any government so purely popular, as not to require the exclusion of the poor
Page 60 of 122