"The way of the world is to make laws, but follow custom"
- Michel de Montaigne
About this Quote
This quote by Michel de Montaigne recommends that while laws are developed to govern society, individuals frequently select to follow their own custom-mades instead. This implies that laws are not constantly followed, and that people might pick to follow their own customs and beliefs instead. This might be due to the fact that laws are frequently created by those in power, and might not show the values of individuals they are indicated to govern. It might likewise be due to the fact that customs are frequently more deeply rooted in a culture, and might be more difficult to change than laws. This quote recommends that while laws are necessary, they might not always be followed, and that people may choose to follow their own custom-mades rather. This could be viewed as a reminder that laws need to be produced with the people in mind, which they must be flexible sufficient to accommodate various custom-mades and beliefs.
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