I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man. I…
““I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man. I will hold to the principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad—as I am now. Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigour; stringent are they; inviolate they shall be. If at my individual convenience I might break them, what would be their worth? They have a worth—so I have always believed; and if I cannot believe it now, it is because I am insane—quite insane: with my veins running fire, and my heart beating faster than I can count its throbs.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker asserts that laws and principles must be upheld even when personal circumstances tempt one to break them, viewing adherence as a test of sanity and integrity.
In simple terms: Uphold principles despite temptation.
Key Takeaway
Stay disciplined, even when challenged.
Themes
integrity
law
self‑control
sanity
principles
Mood
conflicted
determined
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legal decisions
- personal crises
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What principles are essential to you?
- How do you balance law and compassion?
A Different Perspective
If rigid adherence causes harm, flexibility may be needed.