Anarcharsis on Destruction of Laws by Wealthy
on Friday, July 26, 2013Anacharsis Money Quotation saying Laws are effective only on those without the means to shred them with expensive attorneys. Anacharsis said:
“Written laws are like spider’s webs; they will catch, it is true, the weak and the poor, but would be torn in pieces by the rich and powerful” — Anacharsis
This quote from the ancient Greek philosopher Anacharsis is criticizing how laws can often be applied unevenly or circumvented based on wealth and power. It suggests that while written laws may effectively constrain the “weak and poor,” those with riches and influence can easily break or work around such laws without consequence since they have the means to avoid punishment or accountability.
The spider’s web analogy implies laws intended to govern all may end up only truly binding the less powerful members of society, as the powerful can tear through legal constraints that inconvenience them in the pursuit of their own interests.
Overall, the quote highlights the idea that equality before the law is not always achieved in practice, as those with wealth and status can place themselves outside the true application and spirit of legislation.
Birthday: June 24, 1755 – Death: March 24, 1794