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The cost of obedience is small compared with the cost of…

“The cost of obedience is small compared with the cost of disobedience.” quote by Saint Augustine
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“The cost of obedience is small compared with the cost of disobedience.”

Saint Augustine

About This Quote

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

Obedience may seem cheap, but the price of disobedience—social chaos, moral decay—can be far higher.

In simple terms: Following orders is cheap; breaking them can cost more.

Key Takeaway

Weigh the long‑term costs of disobedience.

Themes

morality authority consequence societal order

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

ethical philosophical historical

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • personal decisions
  • community standards

Key Concepts

ethical philosophy civil obedience social contract

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is disobedience justified?
  • What values guide lawful versus moral obedience?
A Different Perspective

Obedience isn’t always virtuous; context matters.

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