Aggression Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“No man has a natural right to commit aggression on the equal rights of another; and this is all from which the laws ought to restrain him.”
About This Quote
Source Letter to John Adams, 1787
Individuals must not be allowed to harm others' equal rights; laws should prevent aggression.
In simple terms: Protect equal rights.
Key Takeaway
Enforce laws against aggression.
Themes
human rights
law
justice
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
legal
When to use this quote
- court rulings
- civil rights advocacy
- law enforcement
Key Concepts
natural rights
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- What limits should law place on personal freedom?
- How to protect rights without overreach?
A Different Perspective
Balancing security and liberty is complex.
![“[States and the Federal government are] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch of the same government.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/401/thomas-jefferson-43_branches_states-and-the-federal-government-are-co_2619.jpg)
![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
![“Now they [the Powers] have started the aggression, and the extinction of our nation is imminent. If we just fold our arms and yield to them, I would have no face to see our ancestors after death. If we must perish, why not fight to the death?” quote by Empress Dowager Cixi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/947/empress-dowager-cixi-68177_after-death_now-they-the-powers-have-started-the-agg_53275.jpg)
