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Necessity hath no law. Feigned necessities, imaginary…

“Necessity hath no law. Feigned necessities, imaginary necessities, are the greatest cozenage men can put upon the Providence of God, and make pretences to break known rules by.” quote by Oliver Cromwell
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“Necessity hath no law. Feigned necessities, imaginary necessities, are the greatest cozenage men can put upon the Providence of God, and make pretences to break known rules by.”

Oliver Cromwell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

There is no law for true necessity; invented needs are used to justify breaking divine rules.

In simple terms: Invented needs let people break rules.

Key Takeaway

Question claimed necessities.

Themes

ethics law religion

Mood

skeptical critical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • legal reform
  • personal decision‑making

Key Concepts

moral philosophy social control

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you identify true necessity?
  • What motives drive invented needs?
A Different Perspective

Distinguishing genuine from fake needs can be subjective.

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