Skip to content

Achieve Quote by Richard Stallman

“The idea that laws decide what is right or wrong is mistaken in general. Laws are, at their best, an attempt to achieve justice; to say that laws define justice or ethical conduct is turning things upside down.” quote by Richard Stallman
Download Open image
“The idea that laws decide what is right or wrong is mistaken in general. Laws are, at their best, an attempt to achieve justice; to say that laws define justice or ethical conduct is turning things upside down.”

Richard Stallman

About This Quote

Laws aim for justice but cannot define it; equating law with ethics is flawed.

In simple terms: Laws try for justice but aren’t the same as ethics.

Key Takeaway

Distinguish legal from moral judgments.

Themes

law justice ethics

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • legislation
  • court decisions
  • corporate policy
  • civil rights activism

Key Concepts

philosophy political theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you resolve conflicts between law and morality?
  • When should you challenge unjust laws?
A Different Perspective

Legal systems can be imperfect.

4.8 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Richard Stallman

Explore all 117 Richard Stallman quotes

More Achieve quotes

Browse all 6,390 Achieve quotes