Amish Quote by Warren E. Burger
““There can be no assumption that today's majority is 'right' and the Amish and others like them are 'wrong.' A way of life that is odd or even erratic, but interferes with no rights or interest of others is not to be condemned because it is different.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Religious Freedom, United States Supreme Court, 1975
The quote argues that societal majority does not guarantee moral correctness and that unconventional lifestyles should not be condemned if they do not harm others.
In simple terms: Majority isn’t always right; different ways of living are okay if they don’t hurt anyone.
Key Takeaway
Respect diversity unless it harms others.
Themes
tolerance
pluralism
rights
minority perspectives
Mood
thoughtful
balanced
Type
ethical
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public policy debates
- community integration
- legal decisions on religious freedom
Key Concepts
civil liberties
social ethics
cultural relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance respect for difference with protecting vulnerable groups?
- When does a lifestyle become a public concern?
A Different Perspective
May overlook power imbalances that silence minority voices.
![“[No one will be able to] deter the scientific mind from probing into the unknown any more than Canute could command the tides.” quote by Warren E. Burger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b3d/warren-e-burger-20339_able_no-one-will-be-able-to-deter-the-scienti_477708.jpg)
