Quote by Ferdinand De Saussure
Language furnishes the best proof that a law accepted by a community is a thing that is tolerated and not a rule to which all freely consent.
Summary
This quote suggests that language itself serves as evidence that laws accepted by a community are merely tolerated rather than being rules that everyone willingly agrees to. The use of language to express and enforce laws implies that there is a need for force or coercion to ensure compliance, rather than relying on the genuine consent and agreement of all individuals. It implies that true consent and acceptance of a law would not require the use of language and enforcement mechanisms, as it would be willingly embraced by the community.