Cause of law-abiding behavior

From Textop Wiki

Proposition

Fear is for most people the only thing that keeps them from breaking the law.

Of all passions, that which inclineth men least to break the laws is fear. Nay, excepting some generous natures, it is the only thing (when there is appearance of profit or pleasure by breaking the laws) that makes men keep them. And yet in many cases a crime may be committed through fear.

Hobbes, Lev XXVII 19