Source identified
Read & copy the quotation
“Mere justice is, upon most occasions, but a negative virtue, and only hinders us from hurting our neighbour.”
- Date
- 1759
Meaning of “Mere justice is, upon most occasions, but a…”
Smith distinguishes the minimum restraint required by justice from positive generosity: justice first prevents injury, even when it does not itself supply active beneficence.
Where does it come from?
The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Part II, Section II, discussion comparing justice with beneficence and the obligations that society may enforce.
