No society can exist if respect for the law does not to…
“No society can exist if respect for the law does not to some extent prevail; but the surest way to have the laws respected is to make them respectable. When law and morality are in contradiction, the citizen finds himself in the cruel dilemma of either losing his moral sense or of losing respect for the law, two evils of which one is as great as the other, and between which it is difficult to choose.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Respect for law depends on its perceived legitimacy; when law conflicts with morality, citizens face a painful choice between moral integrity and legal obedience.
In simple terms: Law must be respectable to be obeyed; conflict creates a moral dilemma.
Key Takeaway
Balance law with moral values.
Themes
law
morality
legitimacy
dilemma
citizen responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- judicial reform
- public policy debates
- civic education
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
social contract
ethical conflict
authority
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies align law with prevailing moral standards?
- What mechanisms ensure laws remain respectable?
A Different Perspective
If law is too rigid, it may lose moral support, undermining compliance.