Q. “The strength of a society is not in its laws, but in the morality of its people.” – Swami Vivekananda

Model Answer:

Swami Vivekananda’s assertion highlights that societal strength emanates from citizens’ internal moral compass rather than external legal frameworks. While laws provide structural order, morality serves as the lifeblood animating a just society.

Why Morality Supersedes Law:

Laws operate through external coercion and fear of punishment, whereas morality functions as an internal compass guided by conscience. Consider these fundamental differences:

• Coverage limitations: Laws cannot regulate compassion, empathy, or altruism – values crucial for social cohesion. Example: helping accident victims voluntarily
• Reactive nature: Laws address existing problems but cannot inspire exemplary conduct. They punish corruption but cannot instill integrity
• Trust foundation: Moral societies foster voluntary compliance through collective responsibility, reducing enforcement costs. Example: Swachh Bharat’s success

The Symbiotic Relationship:

However, law and morality aren’t mutually exclusive. Morality shapes just law-making (LGBTQ+ rights evolution), while laws institutionalize moral values (anti-dowry legislation). During COVID-19, societies with stronger civic consciousness like Japan managed better despite fewer restrictions.

Building Moral Strength requires:
• Value-based education from childhood
• Ethical leadership as exemplars
• Public discourse on ethics

Conclusion:
Laws reflect society’s moral fabric, not create it. True strength lies in citizens’ ethical conduct and conscience.