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But if the masses were educated so that knowledge and learning increased day by day, understanding was broadened, perceptions were refined, morals were rectified and manners reformed- in a word, that progress was made with respect to every degree of perfection- then the occurrence of crime would subside (77:12) Experience has shown that crime is less prevalent among civilized peoples- that is, among those who have acquired true civilization. And true civilization is divine civilization, the civilization of those who combine material and spiritual perfections. As ignorance is the root cause of crime, the more knowledge and learning advance, the less crime will be committed. Consider the lawless tribes of Africa: How often they kill one another and even consume each other's flesh and blood! Why do such savageries not take place in Switzerland? The reason, clearly, is education and virtue (77:13) Therefore, the body politic must seek to prevent crimes from being committed in the first place, rather than devise harsh punishments and penalties
(77:14)
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