"Civilization is built on a number of ultimate principles... respect for human life, the punishment of crimes against property and persons, the equality of all good citizens before the law... or, in a word justice"

This quote by Max Nordau talks to the value of justice in the advancement of a civilized society. Nordau recommends that civilization is built on a variety of supreme principles, the most essential of which is justice. He specifies justice as respect for human life, the penalty of criminal activities versus residential or commercial property and persons, and the equality of all good people before the law. In other words, justice is the structure of a civilized society, and without it, a society can not advance. Nordau's quote emphasizes the significance of justice in the development of a society, and works as a tip that justice must be promoted in order for a society to flourish.