--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: True law is right reason in agreement…" description: "\"“True law is right reason in agreement with nature; it is of universal application, unchanging and everlasting; it summons to duty by its commands, and..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/afe/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_law_true-law-is-right-reason-in-agreement-wi_2884772.jpg" --- # True law is right reason in agreement with nature; it is… ![“True law is right reason in agreement with nature; it is of universal application, unchanging and everlasting; it summons to duty by its commands, and averts from wrongdoing by its prohibitions.” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/afe/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_law_true-law-is-right-reason-in-agreement-wi_2884772.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/afe/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_law_true-law-is-right-reason-in-agreement-wi_2884772.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/afe/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_law_true-law-is-right-reason-in-agreement-wi_2884772.jpg) > ““True law is right reason in agreement with nature; it is of universal application, unchanging and everlasting; it summons to duty by its commands, and averts from wrongdoing by its prohibitions.”” [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Law should align with rational nature, be universal, unchanging, and guide duty while preventing wrongdoing. **In simple terms:** Law must be rational, universal, and guide behavior. Key Takeaway Seek justice rooted in reason. Themes ethics law philosophy Mood reflective serious Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - courtroom - legislative debate - ethical decision making Key Concepts natural law universal principles morality Questions to Reflect On - What makes a law timeless? - How to balance tradition with progress? A Different Perspective Interpretations of law evolve over time. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Law](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/law/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) ## Related quotes > [True law is right reason in agreement with nature;...it summons to duty by its commands, and averts from wrongdoing by its prohibitions... It is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/true-law-is-right-reason-in-agreement-with-nature-it-summons-to-duty/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [God's law is 'right reason.' When perfectly understood it is called 'wisdom.' When applied by government in regulating human relations it is called 'justice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/god-s-law-is-right-reason-when-perfectly-understood-it-is-called/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [The goal of life is living in agreement with nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zeno/the-goal-of-life-is-living-in-agreement-with-nature/) Zeno > [“Any judgment born of collective agreement is, by nature, arbitrary, no matter how widely it is accepted.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sov8840/any-judgment-born-of-collective-agreement-is-by-nature-arbitrary-no/) Sov8840 > [There is in fact a true law namely right reason, which is in accordance with nature, applies to all men and is unchangeable and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/there-is-in-fact-a-true-law-namely-right-reason-which-is-in/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [The universal nature out of the universal substance, as if it were wax, now molds a horse, and when it has broken this up,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-aurelius/the-universal-nature-out-of-the-universal-substance-as-if-it-were-wax/) [Marcus Aurelius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-aurelius/) > [“We are all effectively made of stardust: same atomic material, same physical properties, all linked by an energy and common origin, whether you call…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-toyne/we-are-all-effectively-made-of-stardust-same-atomic-material-same/) Simon Toyne > [Nothing comes to pass in nature, which can be set down to a flaw therein; for nature is always the same, and everywhere one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baruch-spinoza/nothing-comes-to-pass-in-nature-which-can-be-set-down-to-a-flaw/) [Baruch Spinoza](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baruch-spinoza/) > [I think there's mind in nature. There's a power in nature, and there's a universal power that you'd better not ignore.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-ronstadt/i-think-there-s-mind-in-nature-there-s-a-power-in-nature-and-there-s/) [Linda Ronstadt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-ronstadt/) > [This is the chief thing: be not perturbed, for all things are according to the nature of the universal.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-aurelius/this-is-the-chief-thing-be-not-perturbed-for-all-things-are-according/) [Marcus Aurelius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-aurelius/) > [Nature is a universal that is shareable by all, males and females, men and women, and can thus be of use in mediating between…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luce-irigaray/nature-is-a-universal-that-is-shareable-by-all-males-and-females-men/) [Luce Irigaray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/luce-irigaray/) > [“Energy is the universal language of Nature; Nature is the universal source of information.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joey-lawsin/energy-is-the-universal-language-of-nature-nature-is-the-universal/) [Joey Lawsin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joey-lawsin/) > [For the time of towns is tolled from the world by funereal chimes, but in nature the universal hours are counted by succeeding tribes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/for-the-time-of-towns-is-tolled-from-the-world-by-funereal-chimes-but/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [“The evolution of higher and of lower forms of life is as well and as soundly established as the eternal hills. It has long…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-fairfield-osborn/the-evolution-of-higher-and-of-lower-forms-of-life-is-as-well-and-as/) [Henry Fairfield Osborn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-fairfield-osborn/) > [“Christianity in its fullness and truth has been restored to the earth by direct revelation. The restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-w-hunter/christianity-in-its-fullness-and-truth-has-been-restored-to-the-earth/) [Howard W. Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-w-hunter/) ## More by Marcus Tullius Cicero > [Laughing, laughing, laughing, laughing! It is the jester! A voice from the Void, to cheer poor Cicero! I accept your gift, dearest Night Mother.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/laughing-laughing-laughing-laughing-it-is-the-jester-a-voice-from-the/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [This is a proof of a well-trained mind, to rejoice in what is good and to grieve at the opposite.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/this-is-a-proof-of-a-well-trained-mind-to-rejoice-in-what-is-good-and/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [Let art, then, imitate nature, find what she desires, and follow as she directs. For in invention nature is never last, education never first;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/let-art-then-imitate-nature-find-what-she-desires-and-follow-as-she/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/gratitude-is-not-only-the-greatest-of-virtues-but-the-parent-of-all/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [Things sacred should not only be touched with the hands, but unviolated in thought. \[Lat., Res sacros non modo manibus attingi, sed ne cogitatione…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/things-sacred-should-not-only-be-touched-with-the-hands-but/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [Grief is not in the nature of things, but in opinion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/grief-is-not-in-the-nature-of-things-but-in-opinion/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [Physicians, when the cause of disease is discovered, consider that the cure is discovered.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/physicians-when-the-cause-of-disease-is-discovered-consider-that-the/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [Nihil est incertius vulgo, nihil obscurius voluntate hominum, nihil fallacius ratione tota comitiorum. (Nothing is more unpredictable than the mob, nothing more obscure than…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/nihil-est-incertius-vulgo-nihil-obscurius-voluntate-hominum-nihil/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [The foundations of justice are that on one shall suffer wrong; then, that the public good be promoted.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/the-foundations-of-justice-are-that-on-one-shall-suffer-wrong-then/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [“The life of the dead is set in the memory of the living.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/the-life-of-the-dead-is-set-in-the-memory-of-the-living/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [Pardon is granted to necessity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/pardon-is-granted-to-necessity/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [Friendship embraces innumerable ends; turn where you will it is ever at your side; no barrier shuts it out; it is never untimely and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/friendship-embraces-innumerable-ends-turn-where-you-will-it-is-ever/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [History is the witness of the times, the light of truth, the life of memory, the teacher of life, the messenger of antiquity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/history-is-the-witness-of-the-times-the-light-of-truth-the-life-of/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [The Jews belong to a dark and repulsive force. One knows how numerous this clique is, how they stick together and what power they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/the-jews-belong-to-a-dark-and-repulsive-force-one-knows-how-numerous/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [Nature has planted in our minds an insatiable longing to see the truth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/nature-has-planted-in-our-minds-an-insatiable-longing-to-see-the-truth/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) [Explore all 1,068 Marcus Tullius Cicero quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) ## More Law quotes > [ That country \[Carthage\] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws;… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-gibbon/that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinking-into-the-state-of-barbarism/) [Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-gibbon/) > [It's easier to change a law than an age-old mentality. Deep down, many prejudices, many hostilities, many fears persist. 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Before then \[these?\],… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in-england-in-1624-and-in-this/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [Laws undertake to punish only overt acts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/laws-undertake-to-punish-only-overt-acts/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [A man has a right to use a saw, an axe, a plane, separately; may he not combine their uses on the same piece…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/a-man-has-a-right-to-use-a-saw-an-axe-a-plane-separately-may-he-not/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [In relations between the rich and the strong, between the rich and the poor, between the master and the servant, it's liberty that grinds…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/in-relations-between-the-rich-and-the-strong-between-the-rich-and-the/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“The laws of every country must be analogous to some common principle.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-paine/the-laws-of-every-country-must-be-analogous-to-some-common-principle/) [Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-paine/) > [Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/believing-with-you-that-religion-is-a-matter-which-lies-solely/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) [Browse all 16,973 Law quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/law/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“True law is right reason in agreement with nature; it is of universal application, unchanging and everlasting; it summons to duty by its commands, and averts from wrongdoing by its prohibitions.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Marcus Tullius Cicero" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/true-law-is-right-reason-in-agreement-with-nature-it-is-of-universal/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Law" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/true-law-is-right-reason-in-agreement-with-nature-it-is-of-universal/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/afe/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_law_true-law-is-right-reason-in-agreement-wi_2884772.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/afe/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_law_true-law-is-right-reason-in-agreement-wi_2884772.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/afe/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_law_true-law-is-right-reason-in-agreement-wi_2884772.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“True law is right reason in agreement with nature; it is of universal application, unchanging and…” — Marcus Tullius Cicero", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Marcus Tullius Cicero", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "“True law is right reason in...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/true-law-is-right-reason-in-agreement-with-nature-it-is-of-universal/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/true-law-is-right-reason-in-agreement-with-nature-it-is-of-universal/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```