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Law and arbitrary power are at eternal enmity

“Law and arbitrary power are at eternal enmity” quote by Edmund Burke
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“Law and arbitrary power are at eternal enmity”

Edmund Burke

About This Quote

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

Law and arbitrary power clash forever; authority must be restrained.

In simple terms: Law opposes unchecked power.

Key Takeaway

Guard against tyranny.

Themes

politics law freedom

Mood

serious thoughtful

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • corporate governance
  • judicial decisions

Key Concepts

social contract authority limits

Questions to Reflect On

  • When can strong authority be necessary?
  • How to detect when law becomes arbitrary?
A Different Perspective

Power can be justified under certain circumstances.

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