One who breaks an unjust law that conscience tells him is…
“One who breaks an unjust law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Civil disobedience is a moral duty when laws are unjust, showing true respect for law by accepting punishment.
In simple terms: Breaking unjust laws shows respect for higher moral law.
Accept unjust laws, accept consequences.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- activism
- protest
- legal reform
- public awareness
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What laws do you consider unjust?
- How can society discern moral conscience from legal statutes?
May be misused to justify illegal actions without moral justification.