--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We must choose for others as we have…" description: "\"We must choose for others as we have reason to believe they would choose for themselves if they were at the age of reason and deciding rationally.\" — J..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/962/john-rawls-7786_age_we-must-choose-for-others-as-we-have-rea_1919321.jpg" --- # We must choose for others as we have reason to believe… ![“We must choose for others as we have reason to believe they would choose for themselves if they were at the age of reason and deciding rationally.” quote by John Rawls](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/962/john-rawls-7786_age_we-must-choose-for-others-as-we-have-rea_1919321.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/962/john-rawls-7786_age_we-must-choose-for-others-as-we-have-rea_1919321.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/962/john-rawls-7786_age_we-must-choose-for-others-as-we-have-rea_1919321.jpg) > “We must choose for others as we have reason to believe they would choose for themselves if they were at the age of reason and deciding rationally.” [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. People should make decisions for others as they would for themselves if they were fully rational and informed. **In simple terms:** Treat others as rational beings when deciding for them. Key Takeaway Consider others' rational preferences. Themes ethics justice decision making Mood thoughtful serious Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - policy making - legal judgments - medical consent - parental decisions Key Concepts social contract rationality autonomy Questions to Reflect On - How do we know others' rational choices? - When might paternalism be justified? 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