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There is one principle which is eternal; it is the duty of…

“There is one principle which is eternal; it is the duty of all men to protect their lives and the lives of the household, whenever necessity requires, and no power has a right to forbid it, should the last extreme arrive.” quote by Sam Smith
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“There is one principle which is eternal; it is the duty of all men to protect their lives and the lives of the household, whenever necessity requires, and no power has a right to forbid it, should the last extreme arrive.”

Sam Smith

About This Quote

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

The duty to protect oneself and one's household is timeless, overriding any authority when survival is at stake

In simple terms: Protecting family is a fundamental right, even against power

Key Takeaway

Prioritize safety and family above external commands

Themes

survival rights family ethics

Mood

serious determined

Type

ethical political

When to use this quote

  • war zones
  • natural disasters
  • domestic abuse
  • political oppression

Key Concepts

self‑preservation social contract authority limits

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should personal safety override legal obligations?
  • How to resolve conflicts between authority and family protection?
A Different Perspective

Balancing individual rights with collective law can be complex

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