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If however the law is so promulgated that it of necessity…

“If however the law is so promulgated that it of necessity makes you an agent of injustices against another, then I say to you ... break the law.” quote by Henry David Thoreau
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“If however the law is so promulgated that it of necessity makes you an agent of injustices against another, then I say to you ... break the law.”

Henry David Thoreau

About This Quote

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

When laws enforce injustice, moral duty requires breaking them to uphold higher ethical principles.

In simple terms: Unjust laws must be defied for justice.

Key Takeaway

Stand against oppressive laws.

Themes

justice civil disobedience ethics individual conscience political activism

Mood

defiant inspirational

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • protesting
  • whistleblowing
  • refusing unfair orders
  • activism
  • legal reform

Key Concepts

Moral philosophy rights social contract

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it justified to break a law?
  • What are the consequences of civil disobedience?
A Different Perspective

Breaking law can lead to personal risk and societal chaos.

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