Army Quote by Henry David Thoreau
“The only government that I recognize--and it matters not how few are at the head of it, or how small its army--is that power thatestablishes justice in the land, never that which establishes injustice.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Civil Disobedience, Henry David Thoreau, 1849
Justice arises from power that upholds fairness, not from might that enforces oppression.
In simple terms: Fair power creates justice, not force.
Key Takeaway
Support institutions that protect rights.
Themes
justice
power
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government reform
- civil activism
- legal advocacy
Key Concepts
social contract
legitimacy
moral authority
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure power serves justice?
- What safeguards prevent oppression?
A Different Perspective
Power can be abused despite good intentions.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
