The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.
TacitusRead
Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges.
Interpretation
What this quote means
In a corrupt state, there are numerous laws that serve little purpose.
The quote by Tacitus suggests that in a society riddled with corruption, the proliferation of laws often becomes a mechanism for furthering that corruption rather than serving justice or the common good. It reflects the idea that an abundance of legislation can become ineffective and may even exacerbate misconduct, highlighting the paradox of legal systems in morally compromised environments.
Themes
CorruptionLawsPoliticsSocietyJustice
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, this quote could be used to illustrate the ineffectiveness of laws in a corrupt government.
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The brave and bold persist even against fortune; the timid and cowardly rush to despair though fear alone.
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