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Individuals have international duties which transcend the…

“Individuals have international duties which transcend the national obligations of obedience. Therefore individual citizens have the duty to violate domestic laws to prevent crimes against peace and humanity from occurring.” quote by Edward Snowden
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“Individuals have international duties which transcend the national obligations of obedience. Therefore individual citizens have the duty to violate domestic laws to prevent crimes against peace and humanity from occurring.”

Edward Snowden

About This Quote

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

Citizens must sometimes break unjust laws to stop larger harms to humanity.

In simple terms: Break unjust laws to stop greater harm.

Key Takeaway

Act against oppressive laws.

Themes

ethics civil disobedience human rights

Mood

defiant urgent reflective

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • protesting war crimes
  • whistleblowing
  • humanitarian interventions

Key Concepts

moral duty political responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is breaking a law justified?
  • What are the limits of personal responsibility?
A Different Perspective

Violating law can lead to personal risk and legal consequences.

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