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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.” quote by Martin Luther King Jr
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“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.”

Martin Luther King Jr

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.

Key Takeaway

Accept unjust laws, accept consequences.

Themes

justice civil disobedience morality law conscience

Mood

determined reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • activism
  • protest
  • legal reform
  • public awareness

Key Concepts

ethical responsibility civil rights moral courage

Questions to Reflect On

  • What laws do you consider unjust?
  • How can society discern moral conscience from legal statutes?
A Different Perspective

May be misused to justify illegal actions without moral justification.

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