Law Forbidden Quote by Ayn Rand
““International 4-8818 stepped back. But we pulled at the grill and it gave way. And then we saw iron rings as steps leading down a shaft into a darkness without bottom. "We shall go down," we said to International 4-8818. "It is forbidden," they answered. We said: "The Council does not know of this hole, so it cannot be forbidden." And they answered: "Since the Council does not know of this hole, there can be no law permitting to enter it. And everything which is not permitted by law is forbidden." But we said: "We shall go, none the less.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Atlas Shrugged, 1957
Characters confront a forbidden abyss, arguing that unknown laws cannot forbid exploration, emphasizing willful defiance of authority.
In simple terms: Defying unknown rules to pursue curiosity.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and pursue truth despite prohibitions.
Themes
philosophy
rebellion
exploration
Mood
thoughtful
challenging
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- ethical dilemmas
- adventure travel
Key Concepts
law vs. morality
individualism
unknown unknowns
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities limits of unknown unknown?
- When is it justified to break rules?
A Different Perspective
Blind defiance can lead to danger.
