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Over and over again, people had to disobey lawful…

“Over and over again, people had to disobey lawful authority to follow the voice of their conscience. This obedience to God and disobedience to the State has, over and over again, happened throughout history. It is time again to cry out against our 'leaders,' to question (since it is not for us to…” quote by Dorothy Day
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“Over and over again, people had to disobey lawful authority to follow the voice of their conscience. This obedience to God and disobedience to the State has, over and over again, happened throughout history. It is time again to cry out against our 'leaders,' to question (since it is not for us to say that they are evil) whether or not they are sane.”

Dorothy Day

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Moral conscience can compel civil disobedience against unjust laws, a pattern recurring throughout history.

In simple terms: Conscience may require breaking unjust laws.

Key Takeaway

Act on conscience over compliance.

Themes

ethics civil disobedience conscience

Mood

thoughtful defiant

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • protest movements
  • whistleblowing
  • legal challenges
  • social reform

Key Concepts

moral philosophy political activism historical precedent

Questions to Reflect On

  • What laws conflict with your conscience?
  • How do you ensure responsible dissent?
A Different Perspective

Disobedience can lead to chaos if not guided by collective reason.

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