"The man who barely abstains from violating either the person or the estate or the reputation of his neighbours, has surely very little positive merit."
— Adam Smith
The Man Who Barely Abstains From
The man who barely abstains from violating either the person or the estate or the reputation of his neighbours, has surely very little positive merit.
About this quote
From The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759), Part II, Section II, Chapter 1, in Smith's discussion of justice and beneficence. Smith draws a sharp line between justice — which is merely abstaining from harm and is enforceable — and beneficence, which is positive action for others and cannot be compelled. He saw justice as the "pillar" that holds society together.
Source
The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Part II, Section II, Chapter 1 (1759)
