The quote “It is not wisdom but authority that makes a law” is a famous statement by the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes. It means that the mere fact that a law is made by a duly constituted authority, such as a government, is what makes it a law, regardless of whether or not it is wise.
This quote has been interpreted in different ways by different people. Some people believe that it means that laws are inherently unjust, because they are often made by people who are not wise. Others believe that it means that laws are necessary for the preservation of order and stability, even if they are not always wise.
In this article, we will explore the meaning of this quote in more detail, and discuss some of the implications it has for our understanding of law and authority.
The Meaning of the Quote
The quote “It is not wisdom but authority that makes a law” can be interpreted in two ways. The first interpretation is that laws are inherently unjust because they are often made by people who are not wise. This interpretation is based on the assumption that wisdom is necessary for making good laws. If the people who make laws are not wise, then the laws they make are likely to be unjust.
The second interpretation of the quote is that laws are necessary for the preservation of order and stability, even if they are not always wise. This interpretation is based on the assumption that laws provide a framework for social order and cooperation. Even if a law is not wise, it may still be necessary to maintain social order.
The Implications of the Quote
The quote “It is not wisdom but authority that makes a law” has a number of implications for our understanding of law and authority.
First, the quote suggests that laws are not necessarily based on wisdom. This means that we should not always assume that laws are just or fair. We should critically examine laws to determine whether or not they are in the best interests of society.
Second, the quote suggests that authority is necessary for the creation of laws. This means that we need to have a system of government that is capable of making and enforcing laws. Without a system of government, there would be no way to ensure that people obey the law.
Third, the quote suggests that laws can be unjust. This means that we need to be vigilant in protecting our rights and freedoms from government abuse. We need to make sure that the laws that are made are in the best interests of all citizens, not just the interests of the ruling class.
Conclusion
The quote “It is not wisdom but authority that makes a law” is a complex and thought-provoking statement. It has a number of implications for our understanding of law and authority. We should carefully consider these implications as we think about the role of law in our society.
Here are some additional thoughts on the quote:
- The quote suggests that the law is not always just or fair. This is because the law is made by people, and people are not always wise or just.
- The quote also suggests that the law is necessary for the preservation of order and stability. This is because the law provides a framework for social order and cooperation.
- The quote is a reminder that we should not blindly obey the law. We should critically examine the law to determine whether or not it is just and fair.
- The quote is also a reminder that we need to be vigilant in protecting our rights and freedoms from government abuse. We need to make sure that the laws that are made are in the best interests of all citizens, not just the interests of the ruling class.
