Full Idea
The necessity of justice to the support of society is the sole foundation of that virtue.
Gist of Idea
Justice only exists to support society
Source
David Hume (Enquiry concerning Principles of Morals [1751], III.II.163)
Book Reference
Hume,David: 'Enquiries Conc. Human Understanding, Morals', ed/tr. Selby-Bigge/Nidditch [OUP 1975], p.203
A Reaction
A sense of fairness precedes the building of a society, rather than arising out of it.