Ceremony forbids us to express by words things that are…
“Ceremony forbids us to express by words things that are lawful and natural, and we obey it; reason forbids us to do things unlawful and ill, and nobody obeys it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Societal rules suppress natural expression, while rational law contradicts moral obedience, yet people often ignore reason.
In simple terms: Rules limit expression; reason often ignored.
Key Takeaway
Question the gap between law and morality.
Themes
law
reason
human nature
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- legal systems
- personal decisions
- cultural norms
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you follow rules that feel unnatural?
- When does reason fail you?
A Different Perspective
Reason may be overridden by emotion.