if there were no bad people, there would be no good lawyers.
 Charles Dickens, The Old Curiosity Shop (1841). copy citation

edit
Author Charles Dickens
Source The Old Curiosity Shop
Topic lawyers crooks
Date 1841
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink https://www.gutenberg.org/files/700/700-h/700-h.htm

Context

“Are we pretty fresh and cheerful sir—eh, Mr Richard?'
'Pretty well, sir,' replied Dick.
'That's well,' said Brass. 'Ha ha! We should be as gay as larks, Mr Richard—why not? It's a pleasant world we live in sir, a very pleasant world. There are bad people in it, Mr Richard, but if there were no bad people, there would be no good lawyers. Ha ha! Any letters by the post this morning, Mr Richard?'
Mr Swiveller answered in the negative.
'Ha!' said Brass, 'no matter. If there's little business to-day, there'll be more to-morrow. A contented spirit, Mr Richard, is the sweetness of existence.” source

Meaning and analysis

write a note
report