To say that subjects in general are not proper judges (of the law) when their governors oppress them and play the tyrant, and when they defend their rights ...is as great a treason as ever a man uttered.
Jonathan MayhewRead
Not to discontinue our allegiance, in this case, would be to join with the sovereign in promoting the slavery and misery of that society, the welfare of which, we ourselves, as well as our sovereign, are indispensably obliged to secure and promote, as far as in us lies.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the moral obligation to oppose tyranny and promote the welfare of society.
Jonathan Mayhew's quote argues that maintaining allegiance to a sovereign who perpetuates oppression is tantamount to endorsing that oppression. It highlights the ethical duty individuals have to ensure the welfare of society by resisting any authority that contributes to its suffering, thus underscoring the importance of moral integrity and social responsibility.
Themes
AllegianceSovereigntySlaveryMiseryWelfareSociety
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on civil rights, one could use this quote to argue for the necessity of opposing unjust laws.
More from Jonathan Mayhew
All quotes →Similar quotes
A war is not won if the defeated enemy has not been turned into a friend.
Eric HofferRead
When lip service to some mysterious deity permits bestiality on Wednesday and absolution on Sunday, cash me out.
Frank SinatraRead
But life at its best is a creative synthesis of opposites in fruitful harmony.
Martin Luther King, Jr.Read
It struck me as I listened to those two men that a truer nomination (name) for our species than Homo sapiens might be Homo narrans, the storytelling person. What differentiates us from animals is the fact that we can listen to other people’s dreams, fears, joys, sorrows, desires and defeats–and they in turn can listen to ours.
Henning MankellRead
There is no safety in numbers, or in anything else.
James ThurberRead
The Pope loves everyone, rich and poor alike, but the Pope has the duty, in Christ's name, to remind the rich to help the poor, to respect them, to promote them.
Pope FrancisRead