What makes them haughty and strong is that they've studied…
““What makes them haughty and strong is that they've studied to be authorities so that the law will be obeyed. The law has always been hard. They say that only by being that way can they force you to obey the law; there are people who won't be good otherwise. We're only interested in being bad, they say. I don't know, I've never done anything bad to anyone, not to José or to my children . . . They defend private property--that principle--is sacred--because it is possible for our hands to be stained with blood; but to appropriate what isn't ours, that's out of the question.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Authority and law are upheld by those who study them, but some reject obedience, valuing personal morality over imposed rules.
In simple terms: People study law to enforce it, yet some choose personal ethics.
Key Takeaway
Question authority, uphold personal values.
Themes
law
morality
authority
rebellion
Mood
reflective
tense
Type
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- legal profession
- activism
- parenting
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
social contract
civil disobedience
Questions to Reflect On
- When is breaking a law justified?
- How do personal morals clash with legal duties?
A Different Perspective
Rigid law can suppress individuality; conflict may arise.