--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As for law and religion, which also have…" description: "\"“As for law and religion, which also have preached this principle, they have simply filched it to cloak their own wares, their injunctions for the bene..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fd0/peter-kropotkin-5421_religion_as-for-law-and-religion-which-also-have_1769646.jpg" --- # As for law and religion, which also have preached this… ![“As for law and religion, which also have preached this principle, they have simply filched it to cloak their own wares, their injunctions for the benefit of the conqueror, the exploiter, the priest. Without this principle of solidarity, the justice of which is so generally recognized, how could…” quote by Peter Kropotkin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fd0/peter-kropotkin-5421_religion_as-for-law-and-religion-which-also-have_1769646.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fd0/peter-kropotkin-5421_religion_as-for-law-and-religion-which-also-have_1769646.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fd0/peter-kropotkin-5421_religion_as-for-law-and-religion-which-also-have_1769646.jpg) > ““As for law and religion, which also have preached this principle, they have simply filched it to cloak their own wares, their injunctions for the benefit of the conqueror, the exploiter, the priest. Without this principle of solidarity, the justice of which is so generally recognized, how could they have laid hold on men's minds? Each of them covered themselves with it as with a garment; like authority which made good its position by posing as the protector of the weak against the strong. By flinging overboard law, religion and authority, mankind can regain possession of the moral principle which has been taken from them. Regain that they may criticize it, and purge it from the adulterations wherewith priest, judge and ruler have poisoned it and are poisoning it yet. Besides this principle of treating others as one wishes to be treated oneself, what is it but the very same principle as equality, the fundamental principle of anarchism? And how can any one manage to believe himself an anarchist unless he practices it? We do not wish to be ruled. And by this very fact, do we not declare that we ourselves wish to rule nobody? We do not wish to be deceived, we wish always to be told nothing but the truth. And by this very fact, do we not de- clare that we ourselves do not wish to deceive anybody, that we promise to always tell the truth, nothing but the truth, the whole truth? We do not wish to have the fruits of our labor stolen from us. And by that very fact, do we not declare that we respect the fruits of others' labor?”” [Peter Kropotkin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-kropotkin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The passage argues that law, religion, and authority co‑opt the golden‑rule principle to serve the powerful, and that true solidarity and equality require rejecting these institutions and embracing anarchist ethics of mutual respect and honesty. **In simple terms:** Law and religion hide the golden rule to protect the powerful; true equality needs honesty and mutual respect. Key Takeaway Reject imposed authority, practice honesty and respect others’ labor. Themes anarchism solidarity ethics equality truth labor rights Mood critical hopeful determined Type philosophical political ethical When to use this quote - activism - community organizing - personal integrity - political education - labor movements Key Concepts mutual aid golden rule power dynamics social contract Questions to Reflect On - How can societies protect the weak without any authority? - What practical steps can individuals take to embody mutual respect? 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By flinging overboard law, religion and authority, mankind can regain possession of the moral principle which has been taken from them. Regain that they may criticize it, and purge it from the adulterations wherewith priest, judge and ruler have poisoned it and are poisoning it yet. Besides this principle of treating others as one wishes to be treated oneself, what is it but the very same principle as equality, the fundamental principle of anarchism? And how can any one manage to believe himself an anarchist unless he practices it? We do not wish to be ruled. And by this very fact, do we not declare that we ourselves wish to rule nobody? We do not wish to be deceived, we wish always to be told nothing but the truth. And by this very fact, do we not de- clare that we ourselves do not wish to deceive anybody, that we promise to always tell the truth, nothing but the truth, the whole truth? We do not wish to have the fruits of our labor stolen from us. 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