Skip to content

Doing Quote by William Safire

“The right to do something does not mean that doing it is right.” quote by William Safire
Download Open image
“The right to do something does not mean that doing it is right.”

William Safire

About This Quote

Source Essay: Ethical Commentary, 1995, USA

Having legal permission to act does not guarantee moral correctness; legality and morality are distinct.

In simple terms: Legal right ≠ moral right.

Key Takeaway

Consider ethics beyond legality.

Themes

ethics law morality

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

ethical political

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • business decisions
  • personal choices
  • activism

Key Concepts

philosophy civic duty social responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does law conflict with conscience?
  • How can you act ethically when law permits otherwise?
A Different Perspective

Legal frameworks can be flawed or incomplete.

4.5 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by William Safire

Explore all 103 William Safire quotes

More Doing quotes

Browse all 10,135 Doing quotes