[A Sip of Books] The Greatest Classic in Law: 'Struggle for Law and Rights'

Some sentences encapsulate the entire content of the book itself, while others instantly reach the reader’s heart, creating a point of connection with the book. We introduce such meaningful sentences excerpted from the book. - Editor’s note

This is the greatest classic in the field of law, translated into over 50 languages. Within 20 years of its first edition, it was translated into 21 languages in more than 20 countries, and to date, it has been translated into over 50 languages. The book published this time as part of the Munye Humanities Classics series is a new translation of the 11th edition, the last edition published after Jhering’s death. From the title, where “Recht” previously translated as “right” has been changed to “law and right,” meticulous and precise translation was emphasized, and it includes abundant translator’s notes and commentary to aid the reader’s understanding.

All laws in this world arose through struggle. Every important legal proposition had to be won primarily by fighting against those who opposed it. And all legal rights, whether belonging to the people or individuals, always presuppose the readiness to assert and defend them. Law is not a mere theory but a living force. (pp. 37?38)

Until the first gunfire shatters a beautiful dream, there blooms a brilliant belief in a long era of peace and eternal peace. A generation that enjoyed peace without toil is replaced by another generation that must seek a peaceful era again through the ordeal of war. (p. 39)

The attitude a person or a nation takes when their rights are violated is the most certain touchstone for evaluating their dignity. (p. 87)

If my rights are violated and denied, the law in general is violated and denied; if my rights are defended, asserted, and restored, the law in general is defended, asserted, and restored. Through this, how significant is the struggle of the right-holder for their own rights! (p. 100)

Struggle for Law and Rights | Written by Rudolf von Jhering | Translated by Park Hong-gyu | Munye Publishing | 212 pages | 12,000 KRW