By confronting us with irreducible mysteries that stretch our daily vision to include infinity, nature opens an inviting and guiding path toward a spiritual life.
Thomas MoreRead
There are dreadful punishments enacted against thieves, but it were much better to make such good provisions by which every man might be put in a method how to live, and so be preserved from the fatal necessity of stealing and of dying for it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The focus should be on providing means for people to live well rather than punishing them for theft.
This quote by Thomas More emphasizes the need for society to create systems that support individuals in leading fulfilling lives, thus reducing the likelihood of them resorting to theft out of desperation. It suggests that rather than imposing harsh punishments on thieves, efforts should be made to address the underlying issues that lead to such actions, ultimately promoting a more humane and effective approach to social welfare.
Themes
ThievesPunishmentProvisionSocietyWelfare
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about criminal justice reform, this quote can illustrate the importance of addressing economic disparity.
More from Thomas More
All quotes βKindness and good nature unite men more effectually and with greater strength than any agreements whatsoever, since thereby the engagements of men's hearts become stronger than the bond and obligation of words.
Thomas MoreRead
If we lived in a state where virtue was profitable, common sense would make us saintly. But since we see that avarice, anger, pride and stupidity commonly profit far beyond charity, modesty, justice and thought, perhaps we must stand fast a little, even at the risk of being heroes.
Thomas MoreRead
They wonder much to hear that gold, which in itself is so useless a thing, should be everywhere so much esteemed, that even men for whom it was made, and by whom it has its value, should yet be thought of less value than it is.
Thomas MoreRead
The Utopians feel that slaughtering our fellow creatures gradually destroys the sense of compassion, which is the finest sentiment of which our human nature is capable.
Thomas MoreRead
For when they see the people swarm into the streets, and daily wet to the skin with rain, and yet cannot persuade them to go out of the rain, they do keep themselves within their houses, seeing they cannot remedy the folly of the people.
Thomas MoreRead
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