--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As we go forward in life, we come more…" description: "\"“As we go forward in life, we come more and more to realize the wisdom of being obedient, not because we are afraid of the law, but because we recogniz..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4a7/hugh-b-brown-19107_freedom_as-we-go-forward-in-life-we-come-more-an_1158402.jpg" --- # As we go forward in life, we come more and more to realize… ![“As we go forward in life, we come more and more to realize the wisdom of being obedient, not because we are afraid of the law, but because we recognize the importance, wisdom, and necessity of law in civilized life. Freedom within the law is indispensable if your life is to be rich and radiant…” quote by Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4a7/hugh-b-brown-19107_freedom_as-we-go-forward-in-life-we-come-more-an_1158402.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4a7/hugh-b-brown-19107_freedom_as-we-go-forward-in-life-we-come-more-an_1158402.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4a7/hugh-b-brown-19107_freedom_as-we-go-forward-in-life-we-come-more-an_1158402.jpg) > ““As we go forward in life, we come more and more to realize the wisdom of being obedient, not because we are afraid of the law, but because we recognize the importance, wisdom, and necessity of law in civilized life. Freedom within the law is indispensable if your life is to be rich and radiant. Liberty is a prized possession, which should be jealously guarded, but it may be jeopardized by disobedience. We should not assume that liberty and license are synonymous. Sometimes we find people of all ages who resent regulations, restraints, or prohibitions of any kind. They seem to assume that rebellious disregard for rules or laws indicates emancipation and independence. In a foolish attempt to demonstrate their freedom they lose it, forgetting that real liberty can only be enjoyed by obedience to law. Consider for a moment our traffic laws, with their daily toll of suffering, loss, and death. It must be evident to all that these laws are enacted and enforced for the good and protection of people and property. Is it not, therefore, foolhardy to endanger oneself and others simply to show one's independence or importance. Of course, we may disregard the traffic laws, drive on the wrong side of the street, exceed speed limits, go through red lights, just for the satisfaction of showing off and doing as we please, but if we continue to act in such an irresponsible manner, we must eventually pay a price all out of proportion to any momentary satisfaction. . . . Speaking of the duty of parents to children, \[John\] Locke said, "Liberty and indulgence can do no good to children; their want of judgment makes them stand in need of restraint." . . . Any person is stupid who thinks he can defy the law with impunity. They who obey the law find it to be a safeguard and protection, a guarantee against privilege and favoritism; it applies to all, regardless of rank, station, or status. When properly administered, its rewards and punishments are inflexible. They are at once a warning, a promise, and a safeguard. If they whose duty it is to enforce the law were whimsical or capricious, or if the laws were not administered and enforced with undeviating justice and equity, there would be confusion, defiance, and rebellion. With the average, normal person, force will not become necessary, but sometimes, for the safety of society, drastic measures must be employed.”” [Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Obedience to law sustains true liberty; reckless defiance endangers freedom and safety. **In simple terms:** Following laws protects freedom. Key Takeaway Respect law to protect liberty. Themes law freedom responsibility society order Mood cautious reflective Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - driving - public behavior - parenting - child discipline - civil discourse Key Concepts social contract civil obedience public safety Questions to Reflect On - How do we balance law with personal autonomy? - When should civil disobedience be justified? A Different Perspective Obedience may be misused to suppress dissent. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wisdom/) ## Related quotes > [ \[I\]f we assume a liberty interest but nevertheless say that, even assuming a liberty interest, a state can prohibit it entirely, that would be… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-rehnquist/i-f-we-assume-a-liberty-interest-but-nevertheless-say-that-even/) [William Rehnquist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-rehnquist/) > [Law and freedom must be indivisible partners. For without law, there can be no freedom, only choas and disorder; and without freedom, law is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/law-and-freedom-must-be-indivisible-partners-for-without-law-there/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [I love my country and what it stands for. Freedom. Law of the jungle. I hate the people who run my country and what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-barnhill/i-love-my-country-and-what-it-stands-for-freedom-law-of-the-jungle-i/) Chris Barnhill > [Freedom is the only law which genius knows.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-russell-lowell/freedom-is-the-only-law-which-genius-knows/) [James Russell Lowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-russell-lowell/) > [“We have nothing but our freedom. We have nothing to give you but your own freedom. We have no law but the single principle…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ursula-k-le-guin/we-have-nothing-but-our-freedom-we-have-nothing-to-give-you-but-your/) [Ursula K. Le Guin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ursula-k-le-guin/) > [Those who suppress freedom always do so in the name of law and order." - John V. Lindsay "No government power can be abused…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/those-who-suppress-freedom-always-do-so-in-the-name-of-law-and-order-2/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [And we who have toiled for freedom's law, have we sought for freedom's soul? Have we learned at last that human right is not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-boyle-o-reilly/and-we-who-have-toiled-for-freedom-s-law-have-we-sought-for-freedom-s/) [John Boyle O'Reilly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-boyle-o-reilly/) > [Freedom under the law must never be taken for granted.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-thatcher/freedom-under-the-law-must-never-be-taken-for-granted/) [Margaret Thatcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-thatcher/) > [Freedom under law is hard work. If rulers cannot be trusted with arbitrary power, it is up to citizens to raise their voices at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-lewis/freedom-under-law-is-hard-work-if-rulers-cannot-be-trusted-with/) [Anthony Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-lewis/) > [Those who suppress freedom always do so in the name of law and order.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-lindsay/those-who-suppress-freedom-always-do-so-in-the-name-of-law-and-order/) [John Lindsay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-lindsay/) > [“Thus, if the low grade of intelligence, virtue, and civilization of the African in America, disqualified him for being his own guardian, and if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-lewis-dabney/thus-if-the-low-grade-of-intelligence-virtue-and-civilization-of-the/) [Robert Lewis Dabney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-lewis-dabney/) > [“What makes them haughty and strong is that they've studied to be authorities so that the law will be obeyed. The law has always…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/manlio-argueta/what-makes-them-haughty-and-strong-is-that-they-ve-studied-to-be/) [Manlio Argueta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/manlio-argueta/) > [“The law was made for one thing alone,for the exploitation of those who don't understand it, or are prevented by naked misery from obeying…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bertolt-brecht/the-law-was-made-for-one-thing-alone-for-the-exploitation-of-those/) [Bertolt Brecht](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertolt-brecht/) > [Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bible/be-strong-and-very-courageous-be-careful-to-obey-all-the-law-my/) [Bible](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bible/) > [Society is well governed when the people obey the magistrates, and the magistrates obey the law](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solon/society-is-well-governed-when-the-people-obey-the-magistrates-and-the/) [Solon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solon/) ## More by Hugh B. Brown > [Revealed insights should leave us stricken with the knowledge of how little we really know. It should never lead to an emotional arrogance based…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-b-brown/revealed-insights-should-leave-us-stricken-with-the-knowledge-of-how/) [Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) > [The Church has always advised against birth control and that is the only position the Church can take in view of our beliefs with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-b-brown/the-church-has-always-advised-against-birth-control-and-that-is-the/) [Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) > [A wholesome sense of humor will be a safety valve that will enable you to apply the lighter touch to heavy problems and to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-b-brown/a-wholesome-sense-of-humor-will-be-a-safety-valve-that-will-enable/) [Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) > [“Mothers are the first professors in the school of character.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-b-brown/mothers-are-the-first-professors-in-the-school-of-character/) [Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) > [ There never was another like you in this world. God throws the mold away every time he makes a man \[or woman\]... I think… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-b-brown/there-never-was-another-like-you-in-this-world-god-throws-the-mold/) [Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) > [Keep in mind the challenging fact that your aim is not to get ahead of others, but to surpass yourself; to begin today to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-b-brown/keep-in-mind-the-challenging-fact-that-your-aim-is-not-to-get-ahead/) [Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) > [Sometimes during solitude I hear truth spoken with clarity and freshness; uncolored and untranslated it speaks from within myself in a language original but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-b-brown/sometimes-during-solitude-i-hear-truth-spoken-with-clarity-and/) [Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) > [Every man is a diary in which he writes one story while intending to write another. His humblest moment is when he compares the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-b-brown/every-man-is-a-diary-in-which-he-writes-one-story-while-intending-to/) [Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) > [I should not like to contemplate an existence, especially one that is going to continue forever, if I could not enjoy that existence with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-b-brown/i-should-not-like-to-contemplate-an-existence-especially-one-that-is/) [Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) > [We are not endeavoring to get ahead of others, but to surpass ourselves.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-b-brown/we-are-not-endeavoring-to-get-ahead-of-others-but-to-surpass-ourselves/) [Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) > [If any of you have a desire to be mediocre, you will probably find that you have already achieved your ambition.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-b-brown/if-any-of-you-have-a-desire-to-be-mediocre-you-will-probably-find/) [Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) > [The law of the harvest is inexorable (impossible to stop or prevent) . As we sow, so shall we reap.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-b-brown/the-law-of-the-harvest-is-inexorable-impossible-to-stop-or-prevent-as/) [Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) > [Notable characters do not alone bear trouble; they use it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-b-brown/notable-characters-do-not-alone-bear-trouble-they-use-it/) [Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) > [Physical fitness contributes to all other aspects of personal development and makes for rich and radiant living](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-b-brown/physical-fitness-contributes-to-all-other-aspects-of-personal/) [Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) > [“While marriage in the first instance is for the benefit of the contracting parties, both physical, mental, and spiritual, each must take the longer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-b-brown/while-marriage-in-the-first-instance-is-for-the-benefit-of-the/) [Hugh B. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) [Explore all 33 Hugh B. Brown quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-b-brown/) ## More Freedom quotes > [One is a painter because one wants so-called freedom; one doesn't want to go to the office every morning.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcel-duchamp/one-is-a-painter-because-one-wants-so-called-freedom-one-doesn-t-want/) [Marcel Duchamp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcel-duchamp/) > [Some people still believe you should just fall in line with what's going on - and that's scary. It makes a mockery of freedom…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-robison/some-people-still-believe-you-should-just-fall-in-line-with-what-s/) [Emily Robison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-robison/) > [I believe in freedom to do what you want if you aren't hurting others, but pictures of obese protesters giving their children big gulps.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/philip-defranco/i-believe-in-freedom-to-do-what-you-want-if-you-aren-t-hurting-others/) [Philip DeFranco](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-defranco/) > [Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/elections-belong-to-the-people-it-s-their-decision-if-they-decide-to/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [If we gave up our freedom as the price of security, we would no longer be the great nation that we are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ruth-bader-ginsburg/if-we-gave-up-our-freedom-as-the-price-of-security-we-would-no-longer/) [Ruth Bader Ginsburg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ruth-bader-ginsburg/) > [We live in the greatest country in the world because of the veterans who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom and the security…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jon-husted/we-live-in-the-greatest-country-in-the-world-because-of-the-veterans/) [Jon Husted](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jon-husted/) > [Philosopher is a dictator who modifies accepted standards with his thoughts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ilkin-santak/philosopher-is-a-dictator-who-modifies-accepted-standards-with-his/) [Ilkin Santak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ilkin-santak/) > [“No one was more surprised than I to realize that my newfound freedom had been purchased by giving up on eternity and settling for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carolyn-jessop/no-one-was-more-surprised-than-i-to-realize-that-my-newfound-freedom/) [Carolyn Jessop](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carolyn-jessop/) > [“In a world of fixed future, there can be no right or wrong. Right and wrong demand freedom of choice, but if each action…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-lightman/in-a-world-of-fixed-future-there-can-be-no-right-or-wrong-right-and/) [Alan Lightman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-lightman/) > [“In any case, white people, who had robbed black people of their liberty and who profited by this theft every hour that they lived,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-baldwin/in-any-case-white-people-who-had-robbed-black-people-of-their-liberty/) [James Baldwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-baldwin/) > [I have observed this in my experience of slavery, - that whenever my condition was improved, instead of its increasing my contentment, it only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-douglass/i-have-observed-this-in-my-experience-of-slavery-that-whenever-my/) [Frederick Douglass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-douglass/) > [“I have to blame myself for not finding any way of reaching him, but I can't feel that either Ruth or I had anything…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wallace-stegner/i-have-to-blame-myself-for-not-finding-any-way-of-reaching-him-but-i/) [Wallace Stegner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wallace-stegner/) > [“It breaks my heart. Better than your words, your eye tells me all your peril. You are not yet free, you still search for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/friedrich-nietzsche/it-breaks-my-heart-better-than-your-words-your-eye-tells-me-all-your/) [Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/friedrich-nietzsche/) > [History has often showed us the strength of the forces that are unleashed by the yearning for freedom. It moved people to overcome their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/angela-merkel/history-has-often-showed-us-the-strength-of-the-forces-that-are/) [Angela Merkel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/angela-merkel/) > [I don't want to be famous famous. I'm happy on the second tier, where I have autonomy on a professional level but I can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gabrielle-reece/i-don-t-want-to-be-famous-famous-i-m-happy-on-the-second-tier-where-i/) [Gabrielle Reece](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gabrielle-reece/) [Browse all 30,110 Freedom quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“As we go forward in life, we come more and more to realize the wisdom of being obedient, not because we are afraid of the law, but because we recognize the importance, wisdom, and necessity of law in civilized life. Freedom within the law is indispensable if your life is to be rich and radiant. Liberty is a prized possession, which should be jealously guarded, but it may be jeopardized by disobedience. We should not assume that liberty and license are synonymous. Sometimes we find people of all ages who resent regulations, restraints, or prohibitions of any kind. They seem to assume that rebellious disregard for rules or laws indicates emancipation and independence. In a foolish attempt to demonstrate their freedom they lose it, forgetting that real liberty can only be enjoyed by obedience to law. Consider for a moment our traffic laws, with their daily toll of suffering, loss, and death. It must be evident to all that these laws are enacted and enforced for the good and protection of people and property. Is it not, therefore, foolhardy to endanger oneself and others simply to show one's independence or importance. Of course, we may disregard the traffic laws, drive on the wrong side of the street, exceed speed limits, go through red lights, just for the satisfaction of showing off and doing as we please, but if we continue to act in such an irresponsible manner, we must eventually pay a price all out of proportion to any momentary satisfaction. . . . Speaking of the duty of parents to children, [John] Locke said, \"Liberty and indulgence can do no good to children; their want of judgment makes them stand in need of restraint.\" . . . Any person is stupid who thinks he can defy the law with impunity. They who obey the law find it to be a safeguard and protection, a guarantee against privilege and favoritism; it applies to all, regardless of rank, station, or status. When properly administered, its rewards and punishments are inflexible. They are at once a warning, a promise, and a safeguard. 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