"Before the monopoly should be permitted, there must be reason to believe it will do some good - for society, and not just for monopoly holders"

This quote by Lawrence Lessig is highlighting the value of considering the results of a monopoly on society prior to permitting it to exist. He is recommending that a monopoly must only be allowed if it can be shown to benefit society, and not just the monopoly holders. This indicates that the interests of the general public should be taken into consideration when choosing whether to allow a monopoly. This quote is a pointer that monopolies should not be permitted to exist solely for the benefit of the monopoly holders, however need to also be helpful to society as a whole. It is a call to consider the impacts of a monopoly on the public prior to allowing it to exist, and to ensure that it is helpful to society before granting it approval.