How we cite our quotes: (Book.Page) based on the 1989 Cambridge University Press edition
Quote #7
[The Utopians] do not understand why a dunderhead with no more brains than a post, and who is about as lewd as he is foolish, should command a great many wise and good people, simply because he happens to have a big pile of gold (2.65)
Moral of the story: rich people are dunderheads. Oh wait, no. Actual moral of the story: wealth shouldn't be the basis of power.
Quote #8
Any such laws, when properly promulgated by a good king, or ratified by a people free of force and fraud, should be observed. (2.70)
Mark your calendars! Hythloday is saying something positive about a legal system! He argues that when power comes from a legitimate source, it can actually regulate things to our benefit.