--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If we accept the premise that human…" description: "\"“If we accept the premise that human rights are granted by by government, then we must be willing to accept the corollary that they can be denied by go..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db0/ezra-taft-benson-443_human-rights_if-we-accept-the-premise-that-human-righ_1499928.jpg" --- # If we accept the premise that human rights are granted by… ![“If we accept the premise that human rights are granted by by government, then we must be willing to accept the corollary that they can be denied by government. I, for one, shall never accept that premise.” quote by Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db0/ezra-taft-benson-443_human-rights_if-we-accept-the-premise-that-human-righ_1499928.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db0/ezra-taft-benson-443_human-rights_if-we-accept-the-premise-that-human-righ_1499928.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db0/ezra-taft-benson-443_human-rights_if-we-accept-the-premise-that-human-righ_1499928.jpg) > ““If we accept the premise that human rights are granted by by government, then we must be willing to accept the corollary that they can be denied by government. I, for one, shall never accept that premise.”” [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human rights are inherent and cannot be granted or revoked by any government; they are universal moral claims. **In simple terms:** Rights are inherent, not given by governments. Key Takeaway Defend rights regardless of authority. Themes human rights government morality law justice Mood determined concerned hopeful Type philosophical political inspirational When to use this quote - activism - legal advocacy - policy debate - education - voting Key Concepts natural law social contract civil disobedience Questions to Reflect On - What responsibilities do citizens have to protect inherent rights? - How can societies balance state authority with universal rights? A Different Perspective Governments may claim legitimacy, making enforcement difficult. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Accept Premise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/accept-premise-1325917/) [Corollary Denied](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/corollary-denied-5497117/) [Denied Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/denied-government-5497116/) [Government Shall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government-shall-482204/) [Granted Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/granted-government-1184060/) [Human rights](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-rights/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) ## Related quotes > [Rights are either God-given as part of the divine plan, or they are granted by government as part of the political plan. If we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/rights-are-either-god-given-as-part-of-the-divine-plan-or-they-are/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [If you want the reader to accept the premise as a given, then being specific is vital. This is what I'm after; I want…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karin-tidbeck/if-you-want-the-reader-to-accept-the-premise-as-a-given-then-being/) [Karin Tidbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karin-tidbeck/) > [“Once you accept the premise that a life is worthwhile only if it is truly notable and great, then you basically accept the fact…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-manson/once-you-accept-the-premise-that-a-life-is-worthwhile-only-if-it-is/) [Mark Manson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-manson/) > [“If we accept the premise that we’re always wrong, it really removes the incentive to spend a lot of time trying to make good…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-s-a-corey/if-we-accept-the-premise-that-we-re-always-wrong-it-really-removes/) [James S.A. Corey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-s-a-corey/) > [“Take it for granted that the government will disregard long-term dangers-such as those affecting the environment-in order to cling to power; that the citizenry…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-brunner/take-it-for-granted-that-the-government-will-disregard-long-term/) [John Brunner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-brunner/) > [I would say that in this world, the greatest source of inequality has been special privileges granted by government.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/milton-friedman/i-would-say-that-in-this-world-the-greatest-source-of-inequality-has/) [Milton Friedman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/milton-friedman/) > [The Democrats have come right out and said it: the power of the central government shall have no limits at all.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mia-love/the-democrats-have-come-right-out-and-said-it-the-power-of-the/) [Mia Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mia-love/) > [It is (our) duty . . . to pay especial attention to the principles of government which shall be inculcated therein (at the University),…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/it-is-our-duty-to-pay-especial-attention-to-the-principles-of/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/a-wise-and-frugal-government-which-shall-restrain-men-from-injuring/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Power comes from the muzzle of a gun, those that have the guns have the power, those that have the power dictate what type…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mao-zedong/power-comes-from-the-muzzle-of-a-gun-those-that-have-the-guns-have/) [Mao Zedong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mao-zedong/) > [Government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit and security of the people, nation or community; whenever any government shall be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-mason/government-is-or-ought-to-be-instituted-for-the-common-benefit-and/) [George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-mason/) > [So confident am I in the intentions, as well as wisdom, of the government, that I shall always be satisfied that what is not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/so-confident-am-i-in-the-intentions-as-well-as-wisdom-of-the/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Thou camest out of thy mother's belly without government, thou hast liv'd hitherto without government, and thou mayst be carried to thy long home…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/miguel-de-cervantes/thou-camest-out-of-thy-mother-s-belly-without-government-thou-hast/) [Miguel de Cervantes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/miguel-de-cervantes/) > [If it be said that the consent of the strongest party in a nation, is all that is necessary to justify the establishment of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lysander-spooner/if-it-be-said-that-the-consent-of-the-strongest-party-in-a-nation-is/) [Lysander Spooner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lysander-spooner/) > [Public opinion: May it always perform one of its appropriate offices, by teaching the public functionaries of the State and of the Federal Government,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-k-polk/public-opinion-may-it-always-perform-one-of-its-appropriate-offices/) [James K. Polk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-k-polk/) ## More by Ezra Taft Benson > [What would God have me do with my life?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/what-would-god-have-me-do-with-my-life/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Records, radio, television, movies, magazines-all are monopolized by the money managers who are guided by one ethic, the words wealth and power.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/records-radio-television-movies-magazines-all-are-monopolized-by-the/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit. Otherwise, he is placing his soul in jeopardy and neglecting that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/every-latter-day-saint-should-make-the-study-of-this-book-a-lifetime/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Do not be caught up in materialism, one of the real plagues of our generation-that is, acquiring things, fast-paced living, and securing career success.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/do-not-be-caught-up-in-materialism-one-of-the-real-plagues-of-our/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/most-of-us-think-of-pride-as-self-centeredness-conceit-boastfulness/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [The high cost of low living.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/the-high-cost-of-low-living/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [“We must each of us do our home work. 'My people are destroyed,' said Hosea, 'for lack of knowledge.' We must be wise as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/we-must-each-of-us-do-our-home-work-my-people-are-destroyed-said/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [“Man…need not stand alone. Prayer will open doors; prayer will remove barriers; prayer will ease pressures; prayer will give inner peace and comfort during…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/man-need-not-stand-alone-prayer-will-open-doors-prayer-will-remove/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Humility does not mean weakness. It does not mean timidity. It does not mean fear. A man can be humble and fearless. A man…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/humility-does-not-mean-weakness-it-does-not-mean-timidity-it-does-not/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [The scriptures record remarkable accounts of men whose lives changed dramatically, in an instant, as it were: Alma the Younger, Paul on the road…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/the-scriptures-record-remarkable-accounts-of-men-whose-lives-changed/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [That government is best which governs the least, so taught the courageous founders of this nation. This simple declaration is diametrically opposed to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/that-government-is-best-which-governs-the-least-so-taught-the/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [No nation which has kept the commandments of God has ever perished, but I say to you that once freedom is lost, only blood…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/no-nation-which-has-kept-the-commandments-of-god-has-ever-perished/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Someone has said it is better to appreciate the things you don't own than to own things you don't appreciate. I hope we will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/someone-has-said-it-is-better-to-appreciate-the-things-you-don-t-own/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [“In framing that great document which Gladstone declared ‘the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/in-framing-that-great-document-which-gladstone-declared-the-most/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Godly sorrow is a gift of the Spirit. It is a deep realization that our actions have offended our Father and our God. It…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/godly-sorrow-is-a-gift-of-the-spirit-it-is-a-deep-realization-that/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) [Explore all 556 Ezra Taft Benson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) ## More Human rights quotes > [I found out about Sister Song through Poppy Liu, who's on the show 'Hacks.' Reproductive rights are human rights, and I wanted to shine…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ayo-edebiri/i-found-out-about-sister-song-through-poppy-liu-who-s-on-the-show/) [Ayo Edebiri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ayo-edebiri/) > [Animal rights without veganism is like human rights with slavery. It makes no sense. None whatsoever.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-l-francione/animal-rights-without-veganism-is-like-human-rights-with-slavery-it/) [Gary L. Francione](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-l-francione/) > [I want a society free of human trafficking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anuradha-koirala/i-want-a-society-free-of-human-trafficking/) [Anuradha Koirala](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anuradha-koirala/) > [“. The understanding that what is good supports basic human rights and anything that threatens it is bad. We do not need a supernatural…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/al-stefanelli/the-understanding-that-what-is-good-supports-basic-human-rights-and/) [Al Stefanelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/al-stefanelli/) > [“Whatever happened in those more than one hundred years, from the time my great-great-great grandfather studied law to the time when my own father…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwenn-wright/whatever-happened-in-those-more-than-one-hundred-years-from-the-time/) [Gwenn Wright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwenn-wright/) > [When history looks back, I want people to know the Nazis weren't able to kill millions of people and get away with it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-wiesenthal/when-history-looks-back-i-want-people-to-know-the-nazis-weren-t-able/) [Simon Wiesenthal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-wiesenthal/) > [UN peacekeeping operations are now increasingly complex and multi-dimensional, going beyond monitoring a ceasefire to actually bringing failed States back to life, often after…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kofi-annan/un-peacekeeping-operations-are-now-increasingly-complex-and-multi/) [Kofi Annan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kofi-annan/) > [Its up to any government to decide how to react to the denial of basic human rights anywhere in the world, including Egypt.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mohamed-elbaradei/its-up-to-any-government-to-decide-how-to-react-to-the-denial-of/) [Mohamed ElBaradei](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mohamed-elbaradei/) > [“Mental illness is not something you misunderstand in this era. 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