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NeCede's

Maxim 12.11.1

Human things never prosper where divine things are neglected.

Nunquam prosperae res humanae ubi negliguntur divinae.

Source: Co. Litt. 15; Wing. Max. 2; Weisman, 49b Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

The common law rests on the premise that temporal order depends on reverence for the divine — a society that abandons its moral foundations invites its own destruction.

Where this applies

  • Society can't prosper when it abandons its moral and religious foundations.
  • The common law rests on the premise that temporal order requires divine reverence.
  • A nation that neglects its spiritual foundations invites its own destruction.

Topics

God & Divine Law

Legal domains

constitutional

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 12.11.1 — Human things never prosper where divine things are neglected. — Co. Litt. 15; Wing. Max. 2; Weisman, 49b (Nunquam prosperae res humanae ubi negliguntur divinae.)

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