The law is an adroit mixture of customs that are beneficial to society, and could be followed even if no law existed, and others that are of advantage to a ruling minority, but harmful to the masses of men, and can be enforced on them only by terror.

Summary

This quote suggests that the law is a combination of customs that are inherently useful and beneficial to society, as they would still be followed even in the absence of formal laws. However, it also implies that there are certain laws that primarily serve the interests of a privileged few, while causing harm and oppression to the majority. To enforce such laws, fear and intimidation are often employed. In essence, the quote suggests that while some laws are just, others are tools of control utilized by a ruling minority.

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