People who parrot that phrase, "eye for an eye makes the whole world blind," likely don't realize that this was shorthand for simple justice and was rarely executed (or even meant) literally.

Take bodily harm, like the loss of an eye. What monetary compensation is due? What if the victim is young? What if he's old? What if he's a farmer? What about if he's a watchmaker and loss of his eye has a direct impact on his ability to provide?

At one point there were price lists for body parts in the attempt to standardize. But each individual likely values his eye differently based on their vocation or earning potential, or even wealth.

How then to determine the compensation due? You don't. You say, "you took his eye; he is now legally allowed to take yours. Want to keep it? Let the negotiations begin."

It's frankly brilliant.

See William Ian Miller, [Eye for an Eye](https://amzn.to/3SjJ7AE)