None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Must the citizen ever for a moment, or in the least degree, resigns his conscience to the legislator? Why has every man a conscience then? I think that we should be men first, and subjects afterward.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Citizens should prioritize their personal conscience over blind obedience to the laws.
In this quote, Thoreau argues that an individual's conscience should not be surrendered to the dictates of the government or legislators. He emphasizes the importance of moral integrity and individual judgment, suggesting that true citizenship involves being guided by personal ethics rather than conforming unquestioningly to societal rules. This perspective advocates for a sense of personal responsibility in moral matters, asserting that individuals should prioritize their own understanding of right and wrong before adhering to laws that may contradict their conscience.
Themes
ConscienceGovernmentIndividualityMoralityObedience
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate about civil disobedience, this quote could be used to emphasize personal ethics over law.
More from Henry David Thoreau
All quotes →Through want of enterprise and faith men are where they are, buying and selling and spending their lives like servants.
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