Charles Dickens: 'The one great principle of English law is to make business for itself.'

The one great principle of English law is to make business for itself.

In his renowned works, Charles Dickens often portrayed the flaws and peculiarities of society. Through his sharp observations, he unveiled the underlying intricacies of the human experience. One of Dickens' famous quotes, "The one great principle of English law is to make business for itself," encapsulates his perception of the legal system in Victorian England. This quote speaks to the notion that the law, instead of being a pure instrument of justice, often creates a self-perpetuating cycle of legal matters, reinforcing the need for constant legal intervention. Delving deeper into this concept, we can explore the intriguing philosophical idea of self-perpetuation and its potential implications on societal evolution.At a surface level, the quote emphasizes the legal system's tendency to prioritize its own existence and growth over the pursuit of ultimate justice. Dickens saw a legal apparatus that thrived on perpetuating disputes and conflicts, effectively generating a continuous flow of clients and cases. In Victorian England, where legal practices were prominent and complex, this principle became ingrained in the fabric of society. Consequently, the purpose of English law evolved into more than just a means to resolve conflicts; it became a self-sustaining entity with a vested interest in generating business.This observation raises interesting questions about the nature and purpose of law in general. By highlighting the self-perpetuating aspect of English law, Dickens implies the existence of an inherent flaw in the legal system's design. Perhaps law, by its very nature, embraces the notion of self-preservation at the expense of achieving true justice. This philosophical perspective opens the door to a broader exploration of the tension between the pursuit of truth and the perpetuation of institutional systems.To explore this concept further, let us juxtapose Dickens' observation with the philosophical notion of societal evolution proposed by British philosopher Herbert Spencer. Spencer argued that society, like any living organism, undergoes a process of continuous adaptation and self-preservation. Applying this notion to the legal system, we can argue that the principle of making business for itself might not solely be a flaw but a natural consequence of a self-perpetuating society.From this perspective, English law's tendency to generate business could be seen as a mechanism through which society sustains itself, adapting to the evolving needs and complexities of its members. Just as organisms strive to adapt to changing environments, the law evolves to navigate the ever-changing dynamics of human interactions and conflicts. In this light, the self-perpetuation of the legal system becomes an essential feature rather than a flaw, embodying Spencer's concept of societal evolution.However, this philosophical perspective does not absolve the legal system from critical analysis. While evolution and self-perpetuation might offer explanations for the existence of a legal system that generates business for itself, it does not necessarily justify a detachment from the pursuit of absolute justice. The tension between perpetuating the legal system and fulfilling the fundamental purpose of law reveals the importance of continuous evaluation and reform.Ultimately, Dickens' astute observation sheds light on the inherent paradox present in legal systems across the globe. While institutions of law strive to accomplish justice, they also face the challenge of self-perpetuation, sometimes at the expense of the very justice they are intended to serve. Acknowledging this paradox forces us to reexamine the systems in place and strive for a delicate equilibrium where the pursuit of justice aligns with the need for self-preservation.In conclusion, Dickens' quote about English law serves as a powerful indictment of a legal system that often prioritizes generating business for itself over achieving true justice. By introducing the philosophical concept of self-perpetuation, we gain a unique perspective on the tension between societal evolution and the pursuit of justice. While the concept of self-perpetuation necessitates an ongoing evaluation of legal systems to ensure the alignment of justice and self-preservation, it also invites a deeper examination of the role and purpose of law in society. Dickens' words remind us that the quest for true justice requires vigilant introspection and a constant commitment to refining our legal systems.