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Law Quote by Henry David Thoreau

“It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for law, so much as a respect for right.” quote by Henry David Thoreau
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“It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for law, so much as a respect for right.”

Henry David Thoreau

About This Quote

Source Essay: Civil Disobedience, 1849

Respect for moral right outweighs legal obedience.

In simple terms: Moral right supersedes law.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize justice over compliance.

Themes

ethics law morality

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • activism
  • legal reform
  • personal decision making

Key Concepts

civil disobedience philosophical principles

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is breaking the law justified?
  • How do you balance personal conscience with societal rules?
A Different Perspective

Legal consequences may be severe despite moral justification.

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