Skip to content

Nobody has the right to put another under such a…

“Nobody has the right to put another under such a difficulty that he must either hurt the person by telling the truth or hurt himself by telling what is not true.” quote by Samuel Johnson
Download Open image
“Nobody has the right to put another under such a difficulty that he must either hurt the person by telling the truth or hurt himself by telling what is not true.”

Samuel Johnson

About This Quote

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

The quote argues that forcing someone into a falsehood or a painful truth violates their moral autonomy, emphasizing the ethical duty to avoid coercive dilemmas.

In simple terms: Moral autonomy vs coercion

Key Takeaway

Avoid forcing false dilemmas

Themes

ethics autonomy truth integrity responsibility

Mood

thoughtful serious reflective

Type

aphorism moral maxim philosophical observation

When to use this quote

  • interrogations
  • political propaganda
  • personal relationships
  • legal testimony
  • media reporting

Key Concepts

moral agency truthfulness psychological harm

Practical Applications

  • ethical decision‑making frameworks
  • conflict‑resolution training

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does protecting someone justify a lie?
  • How can we preserve truth without causing harm?
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Samuel Johnson

Explore all 1,998 Samuel Johnson quotes

More Behaviour quotes

Browse all 696 Behaviour quotes