# Justice Over Expediency in Unto This Last

> Theme guide for Unto This Last by John Ruskin.

The book argues that economic and social relations must be governed by justice, not by calculations of expediency or self-interest, asserting that justice is the only true basis for a healthy society and economy.

## Where it surfaces

- [Epigraph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unto_this_last_se/chapters/epigraph): The epigraph's first quotation challenges conventional ideas of fairness, asserting a higher standard of justice based on agreement and generosity.
- [I: The Roots of Honour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unto_this_last_se/chapters/i-the-roots-of-honour): Ruskin emphasizes that justice and moral duty should take precedence over economic expediency.
- [III: Qui Judicatis Terram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unto_this_last_se/chapters/iii-qui-judicatis-terram): The chapter emphasizes that justice, not expediency, is the foundation of true wealth, and that oppression of the poor leads to ruin for both oppressor and oppressed.
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unto_this_last_se/chapters/endnotes): Argues for paying bad work no less than good to encourage discernment, and for moral use of riches rather than charity.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unto_this_last_se/themes/justice_over_expediency
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unto_this_last_se/themes