Full Idea
Laws that are in accord with habits have more control and deal with things that have more control than do written laws.
Gist of Idea
Laws that match people's habits are more effective than mere written rules
Source
Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1287b05)
Book Reference
Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Reeve,C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.80
A Reaction
This is the problem of bringing the law into disrepute, by insisting on behaviour that goes against the grain. But there are laws, such as those against racism, which are designed to break bad habits.
Related Idea
Idea 2829 The law is the mean [Aristotle]