Any single man must judge for himself whether…
“Any single man must judge for himself whether circumstances warrant obedience or resistance to the commands of the civil magistrate; we are all qualified, entitled, and morally obliged to evaluate the conduct of our rulers. This political judgment, moreover, is not simply or primarily a right, but like self-preservation, a duty to God. As such it is a judgment that men cannot part with according to the God of Nature. It is the first and foremost of our inalienable rights without which we can preserve no other.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Individuals must assess when to obey or resist authority, a moral duty tied to self‑preservation and divine law.
In simple terms: Judge obedience versus resistance based on conscience.
Key Takeaway
Exercise moral judgment on governance.
Themes
politics
rights
obedience
morality
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- voting
- protest
- community leadership
Key Concepts
social contract
civil disobedience
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you obey laws?
- What defines legitimate authority?
A Different Perspective
Balancing duty to authority with personal conscience can be complex.