Bondage Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
“The devil finds work for idle hands to do. Better to reign in the hell than serve in heaven. We are in bondage to the law in order that we may be free.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: On the Law and Freedom, 45 BC
Idle people seek mischief; better to rule one's own challenges than serve a higher power; law binds us to achieve freedom.
In simple terms: Idleness leads to trouble; self‑control yields freedom.
Key Takeaway
Embrace responsibility for liberty.
Themes
idleness
law
freedom
responsibility
Mood
reflective
philosophical
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- personal discipline
- societal order
- legal systems
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “reign in the hell” mean to you?
- How can law both bind and liberate?
A Different Perspective
Freedom without responsibility can become chaos.
![“Things sacred should not only be touched with the hands, but unviolated in thought. [Lat., Res sacros non modo manibus attingi, sed ne cogitatione quidem violari fas fuit.]” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/deb/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_hands_things-sacred-should-not-only-be-touched_11960.jpg)
