Conduct Quote by John Dickinson
“I shall be extremely sorry, if any man mistakes my meaning in any thing I have said. Officers employed by the crown are, while according to the laws they conduct themselves, entitled to legal obedience and sincere respect. These it is a duty to render them; and these no good or prudent person will withhold. But when these officers, through rashness or design, desire to enlarge their authority beyond its due regard for the employments they bear, their attempts should be considered as equal injuries to the crown and the people, and should be courageously and constantly opposed.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, 1768
A warning that officials who abuse power harm both the state and its citizens, and must be resisted.
In simple terms: Abusing authority damages society and must be opposed.
Key Takeaway
Resist overreaching officials.
Themes
authority
justice
citizenship
government
responsibility
Mood
cautious
determined
critical
Type
political
ethical
advisory
When to use this quote
- public office
- law enforcement
- community activism
- policy debate
Key Concepts
rule of law
civil disobedience
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance respect for law with challenging abuse?
- What mechanisms ensure officials stay accountable?
A Different Perspective
Resistance can be risky and may provoke retaliation.
