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If we only obey those rules that we think are just and…

“If we only obey those rules that we think are just and reasonable, then no rule will stand, for there is no rule that some will not think is unjust and unreasonable.” quote by Isaac Asimov
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“If we only obey those rules that we think are just and reasonable, then no rule will stand, for there is no rule that some will not think is unjust and unreasonable.”

Isaac Asimov

About This Quote

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

If we obey only rules we deem just, no rule can survive because some will always deem it unjust.

In simple terms: Blindly following personal sense of justice undermines rule authority.

Key Takeaway

Balance personal judgment with collective norms.

Themes

ethics law justice

Mood

critical inquisitive

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • legal systems
  • organizational policy
  • community standards

Key Concepts

subjectivity rule of law social contract

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies maintain order while respecting dissent?
  • What safeguards prevent arbitrary rule rejection?
A Different Perspective

Rules may need flexibility.

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