Be good Quote by Henry David Thoreau
“Is it not possible that an individual may be right and a government wrong? Are laws to be enforced simply because they were made? Or declared by any number of men to be good, if they are NOT good?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Civil Disobedience (1849)
Individuals may be morally correct while governments act unjustly; laws should not be followed blindly if they are unjust.
In simple terms: People can be right even if the law is wrong.
Key Takeaway
Question unjust laws and act ethically.
Themes
justice
civil disobedience
morality
Mood
defiant
thought‑provoking
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- protests
- whistleblowing
- legal reform
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you obey a law?
- What responsibilities do citizens have to challenge injustice?
A Different Perspective
Legal systems often protect the status quo, making change difficult.
