---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When each citizen submits himself to the…"
description: "\"When each citizen submits himself to the authority of law he does not thereby decrease his independence or freedom, but rather increases it. By recogni..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/742/calvin-coolidge-764_authority_when-each-citizen-submits-himself-to-the_1079556.jpg"
---

#  When each citizen submits himself to the authority of law…

![“When each citizen submits himself to the authority of law he does not thereby decrease his independence or freedom, but rather increases it. By recognizing that he is a part of a larger body which is banded together for a common purpose, he becomes more than an individual, he rises to a new…” quote by Calvin Coolidge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/742/calvin-coolidge-764_authority_when-each-citizen-submits-himself-to-the_1079556.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/742/calvin-coolidge-764_authority_when-each-citizen-submits-himself-to-the_1079556.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/742/calvin-coolidge-764_authority_when-each-citizen-submits-himself-to-the_1079556.jpg)

> “When each citizen submits himself to the authority of law he does not thereby decrease his independence or freedom, but rather increases it. By recognizing that he is a part of a larger body which is banded together for a common purpose, he becomes more than an individual, he rises to a new dignity of citizenship. Instead of finding himself restricted and confined by rendering obedience to public law, he finds himself protected and defended and in the exercise of increased and increasing rights.”

[Calvin Coolidge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/calvin-coolidge/)

## About This Quote

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

Obeying law strengthens personal freedom by linking individuals to a collective purpose, granting greater protection and rights.

**In simple terms:** Following law boosts freedom through collective strength.

Key Takeaway

Respect law to gain greater liberty.

Themes

citizenship law freedom collective responsibility

Mood

reflective optimistic

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

- voting
- public service
- community activism
- legal compliance

Key Concepts

social contract civil rights political theory

Questions to Reflect On

- How does law enhance personal freedom?
- When might obedience feel oppressive?

A Different Perspective

Law can limit personal autonomy if applied unjustly.

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