If you must break the law, do it to seize power: in all other cases observe it.
Julius CaesarRead
Arms and laws do not flourish together.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Laws and governance require strength to be effective, but too much reliance on force can undermine justice.
This quote by Julius Caesar highlights the delicate balance between the rule of law and the use of military power or force. It suggests that while laws are essential for a civilized society, they must be supported by strength to be upheld, yet if one leans too heavily on arms, it may lead to a breakdown of the lawful order that those arms are meant to protect.
Themes
LawStrengthGovernmentJusticeOrder
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on governance, this quote can be used to illustrate the importance of maintaining the rule of law.
More from Julius Caesar
All quotes βWar gives the right to the conquerors to impose any condition they please upon the vanquished.
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As a rule, men worry more about what they can't see than about what they can.
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All bad precedents begin as justifiable measures.
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No one is so brave that he is not disturbed by something unexpected.
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