Skip to content

And because we do not ask so much at the hands of the law…

“And because we do not ask so much at the hands of the law, because we only ask it for justice, it supposes that we reject fraternity, solidarity, organization, and association; and they brand us with the name of individualists. We” quote by Frédéric Bastiat
Download Open image
““And because we do not ask so much at the hands of the law, because we only ask it for justice, it supposes that we reject fraternity, solidarity, organization, and association; and they brand us with the name of individualists. We””

Frédéric Bastiat

About This Quote

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

The law should protect justice, not demand excessive obligations; labeling those who seek fairness as individualists misrepresents their true intent.

In simple terms: Law must serve justice, not force solidarity; individualists are misnamed.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the difference between justice and imposed solidarity.

Themes

justice individualism law solidarity politics

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical political ethical

When to use this quote

  • public policy debates
  • legal reforms
  • community organizing
  • activism
  • civil discourse

Key Concepts

Libertarianism social contract civil rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we balance individual rights with communal responsibilities?
  • When is solidarity a threat to justice?
A Different Perspective

The quote assumes a binary view of law and solidarity, overlooking nuanced collective action.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Frédéric Bastiat

Explore all 182 Frédéric Bastiat quotes

More Justice quotes

Browse all 13,527 Justice quotes