Abiding Quote by Henry David Thoreau
“To be right is more honorable than to be law abiding.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Civil Disobedience, 1849
Moral integrity is valued over mere legal compliance; ethical duty outweighs lawfulness.
In simple terms: Being right > being law abiding.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize conscience over conformity.
Themes
ethics
law
conscience
civil disobedience
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- activism
- whistleblowing
- personal decisions
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
civil responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- When should one obey an unjust law?
- What are the costs of moral defiance?
A Different Perspective
Legal consequences can be severe; not all laws are unjust.
