The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.
TacitusRead
In a state where corruption abounds, laws must be very numerous.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that an abundance of corruption leads to an overload of laws to regulate behavior.
Tacitus implies that in societies plagued by corruption, there is a need for numerous laws to try and control the moral decay. This suggests a fundamental inefficiency in attempting to regulate human behavior through legislation when the underlying issues of integrity and ethical conduct are not addressed.
Themes
CorruptionLawsSocietyMoralityControl
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about the effectiveness of laws in modern society.
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