--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Properly understood, then, the desire to…" description: "\"Properly understood, then, the desire to act justly derives in part from the desire to express most fully what we are or can be, namely free and equal ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/02a/john-rawls-7786_desire_properly-understood-then-the-desire-to-a_941972.jpg" --- # Properly understood, then, the desire to act justly… ![“Properly understood, then, the desire to act justly derives in part from the desire to express most fully what we are or can be, namely free and equal rational beings with the liberty to choose.” quote by John Rawls](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/02a/john-rawls-7786_desire_properly-understood-then-the-desire-to-a_941972.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/02a/john-rawls-7786_desire_properly-understood-then-the-desire-to-a_941972.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/02a/john-rawls-7786_desire_properly-understood-then-the-desire-to-a_941972.jpg) > “Properly understood, then, the desire to act justly derives in part from the desire to express most fully what we are or can be, namely free and equal rational beings with the liberty to choose.” [John Rawls](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-rawls/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Justice stems from our wish to realize our rational, equal nature, exercising liberty to choose freely. **In simple terms:** Fairness comes from wanting to be free, equal, rational beings. Key Takeaway Recognize and honor each person's rational agency. Themes justice freedom equality agency Mood thoughtful serious Type ethical philosophical When to use this quote - legal decisions - policy making - educational curricula - community governance Key Concepts social contract political philosophy human nature Questions to Reflect On - How do we balance individual liberty with collective responsibility? - Can rational equality be truly achieved? 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