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True law, the code of justice, the essence of our…

“True law, the code of justice, the essence of our sensations of right and wrong, is the conscience of society. It has taken thousands of years to develop, and it is the greatest, the most distinguishing quality which has developed with mankind ... If we can touch God at all, where do we touch him…” quote by Walter Van Tilburg Clark
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““True law, the code of justice, the essence of our sensations of right and wrong, is the conscience of society. It has taken thousands of years to develop, and it is the greatest, the most distinguishing quality which has developed with mankind ... If we can touch God at all, where do we touch him save in the conscience? And what is the conscience of any man save his little fragment of the conscience of all men in all time?””

Walter Van Tilburg Clark

About This Quote

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

Describes law as society’s conscience, evolving over millennia, linking humanity to a collective moral sense.

In simple terms: Law reflects collective conscience.

Key Takeaway

Uphold moral responsibility.

Themes

ethics law human nature

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • legal reform
  • educational curricula

Key Concepts

philosophy of justice collective morality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does society shape law?
  • What is the role of individual conscience?
A Different Perspective

Interpretations of conscience vary.

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