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Anyone in a free society where the laws are unjust has an obligation to break the law.
Henry David Thoreau
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the moral duty to challenge unjust laws in a free society.

Henry David Thoreau highlights the importance of individual conscience and moral responsibility when faced with unjust laws. In a society where laws fail to uphold justice, citizens are not only permitted but obliged to resist such laws in pursuit of true justice and morality. This reflects a deep commitment to personal integrity and social justice, encouraging individuals to prioritize ethical considerations over blind obedience to legal standards.

Themes

JusticeLawResponsibilitySocietyMorality

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech advocating for civil disobedience in the face of oppressive laws.

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