Behavior Quote by Sam Harris
“One of the worst things about breaking the law is that it puts one at odds with an indeterminate number of other people. This is among the many corrosive effects of having unjust laws: They tempt peaceful and (otherwise) honest people to lie so as to avoid being punished for behavior that is ethically blameless.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Moral Landscape, 2010
Unjust laws force honest people to lie, creating conflict with many others and eroding ethical behavior.
In simple terms: Unjust laws push people to dishonesty.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for fair laws to preserve integrity.
Themes
justice
ethics
law
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- civil disobedience
- community trust
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
social contract
moral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What laws seem unjust in your society?
- How can individuals resist pressure to lie?
A Different Perspective
Changing laws is complex and may face resistance.
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