--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In other words, the fact that every…" description: "\"“In other words, the fact that every person has the ability to reason and discover natural law, and the divine rights that flow from it, does not mean ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/730/mark-r-levin-13287_character_in-other-words-the-fact-that-every-perso_2664272.jpg" --- # In other words, the fact that every person has the ability… ![“In other words, the fact that every person has the ability to reason and discover natural law, and the divine rights that flow from it, does not mean that all people will do so. In addition, Locke pointed out that natural law, not man-made law, is the origin and compass of human morality…” quote by Mark R. Levin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/730/mark-r-levin-13287_character_in-other-words-the-fact-that-every-perso_2664272.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/730/mark-r-levin-13287_character_in-other-words-the-fact-that-every-perso_2664272.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/730/mark-r-levin-13287_character_in-other-words-the-fact-that-every-perso_2664272.jpg) > ““In other words, the fact that every person has the ability to reason and discover natural law, and the divine rights that flow from it, does not mean that all people will do so. In addition, Locke pointed out that natural law, not man-made law, is the origin and compass of human morality. “\[W\]ithout natural law there would be neither virtue nor vice, neither the reward of goodness nor the punishment of evil: there is no fault, no guilt, where there is no law. Everything would have to depend on human will, and, since there would be nothing to demand dutiful action, it seems that man would not be bound to do anything but what utility or pleasure might recommend, or what a blind and lawless impulse might happen perchance to fasten on. The terms ‘upright’ and ‘virtuous’ would disappear as meaningless or be nothing at all but empty names. . . . \[F\]or the nature of good and evil is eternal and certain, and their value cannot be determined either by the public ordinances of men or by any private opinion.”12 Even”” [Mark R. Levin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-r-levin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Reason and natural law are the foundations of morality, but without them virtue and vice lose meaning, leaving humanity driven only by self‑interest. **In simple terms:** Natural law underpins morality; without it, only personal gain matters. Key Takeaway Recognize the role of universal principles in ethics. Themes philosophy morality law human nature Mood reflective critical Type theoretical ethical When to use this quote - legal systems - ethical education - policy making Key Concepts natural law reason virtue Questions to Reflect On - What happens when natural law conflicts with cultural norms? - Can societies function without shared moral foundations? A Different Perspective Assumes universal acceptance of natural law, which is contested. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Good and evil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-and-evil/) [Human Morality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-morality-1153393/) [Law Origin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/law-origin-1762535/) [Law Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/law-virtue-2452976/) [Morality Ithout](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/morality-ithout-2452977/) [Natural law](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/natural-law/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) ## Related quotes > [The natural law is the origin and principle of all virtues and their acts, therefore we must first speak about natural law.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-of-auxerre/the-natural-law-is-the-origin-and-principle-of-all-virtues-and-their/) [William of Auxerre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-of-auxerre/) > [“There are not many people who work according to the law of virtue, but this small minority is the pride of mankind and every…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alija-izetbegovic/there-are-not-many-people-who-work-according-to-the-law-of-virtue-but/) [Alija Izetbegović](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alija-izetbegovic/) > [Law in origin was merely a codification of the power of dominant groups, and did not aim at anything that to a modern man…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bertrand-russell/law-in-origin-was-merely-a-codification-of-the-power-of-dominant/) [Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertrand-russell/) > [“Perfect Liberty follows no rules, law, or any virtue for that matter. 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