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What is wanted is men of principle, who recognize a higher…

“What is wanted is men of principle, who recognize a higher law than the decision of the majority. The marines and the militia whose bodies were used lately were not men of sense nor of principle; in a high moral sense they were not men at all.” quote by Henry David Thoreau
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“What is wanted is men of principle, who recognize a higher law than the decision of the majority. The marines and the militia whose bodies were used lately were not men of sense nor of principle; in a high moral sense they were not men at all.”

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.

Principles and higher law should guide actions, not majority opinion; many lack true principle.

In simple terms: Higher law outweighs majority rule.

Key Takeaway

Uphold personal integrity over popular opinion.

Themes

ethics leadership law

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • political activism
  • community decisions
  • personal conscience

Key Concepts

moral philosophy civil disobedience

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines a higher law for you?
  • How can you act on principle when unpopular?
A Different Perspective

Majority can be persuasive.

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