Skip to content

Constitution Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The only right is what is after my constitution; the only wrong is what is against it.” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Download Open image
“The only right is what is after my constitution; the only wrong is what is against it.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About This Quote

Source Essay: Self-Reliance, 1841

Moral right aligns with personal conscience; moral wrong opposes it, emphasizing individual integrity over external rules.

In simple terms: Follow your conscience.

Key Takeaway

Act according to personal principles.

Themes

ethics individualism conscience integrity law

Mood

thoughtful philosophical

Type

ethical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • legal dilemmas
  • personal choices
  • leadership
  • education

Key Concepts

moral philosophy personal autonomy ethical decision‑making

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should personal conscience override law?
  • How to reconcile differing moral views?
A Different Perspective

May conflict with societal norms.

4.4 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Explore all 4,802 Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes

More Constitution quotes

Browse all 4,507 Constitution quotes