“Lawyers have to make a living, and can only do so by inducing people to believe that a straight line is crooked.”
- October 21, 1833 – December 10, 1896
- Born in Sweden
- Inventor, chemist, businessman
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Quote
“Lawyers have to make a living, and can only do so by inducing people to believe that a straight line is crooked.”
Explanation
This quote reflects a critical view of the legal profession, suggesting that lawyers often thrive on manipulating perceptions of truth or distorting clarity for their advantage. Alfred Nobel, known for his sharp observations on human behavior and societal structures, likely saw this as emblematic of a broader tendency for professions to profit from conflict rather than resolution.
Historically, the legal field has often been accused of creating complexity in disputes to justify its own necessity. In Nobel’s time, industrialization and globalization were accompanied by a rise in legal battles over patents, contracts, and ethics. Nobel himself, as an inventor and businessman, likely encountered legal disputes that involved arguments crafted to obscure rather than clarify, shaping his critical perspective.
In a modern context, this sentiment resonates with critiques of the legal system’s inefficiencies and manipulations. For instance, corporate litigation or high-profile criminal trials often reveal how lawyers use technicalities and rhetoric to challenge what might seem straightforward. While the legal profession is essential for upholding justice, Nobel’s observation reminds us to be wary of how truth can be bent for profit or persuasion. It is a call to balance legal expertise with ethical clarity and fairness.
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