We must never lose sight of the fact that the law has a moral foundation, and we must never fail to ask ourselves not only what the law is, but what the law should be.
Interpretation
The law should be guided by moral principles and values, prompting us to consider both its current state and its ethical implications.
This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing that laws are not just arbitrary rules; they are built upon moral foundations. It encourages us to critically evaluate existing laws and to ask ourselves not only what they currently dictate, but what they ought to dictate in terms of justice and ethical standards. It serves as a reminder that the evolution of law is tied to our moral responsibilities as a society.
In practice
In a law seminar discussing the ethical implications of recent legislation.
First Amendment freedoms are most in danger when the government seeks to control thought or to justify its laws for that impermissible end. The right to think is the beginning of freedom, and speech must be protected from the government because speech is the beginning of thought.
At the heart of liberty is the right to define one's own concept of existence, of meaning, of the universe, and of the mystery of human life.
The lessons of the First Amendment are as urgent in the modern world as the 18th Century when it was written. One timeless lesson is that if citizens are subjected to state-sponsored religious exercises, the State disavows its own duty to guard and respect that sphere of inviolable conscience and belief which is the mark of a free people.
The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and injure those whom the state, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity.
Sometimes you don't know if you're Caesar about to cross the Rubicon or Captain Queeg cutting your own tow line.
If we will be true and faithful to our principles, committed to a life of honesty and integrity, then no king or contest or fiery furnace will be able to compromise us. For the success of the kingdom of God on earth, may we stand as witnesses for Him "at all times and in all things, and in all places that we may be in, even until death."
When you look at yourself from a universal standpoint, something inside always reminds or informs you that there are bigger and better things to worry about.
We start out a million years ago in a small community on some grassy plain; we hunt animals, have children, and develop a rich social, sexual, and intellectual life, but we know almost nothing about our surroundings.
We thrust our fingers into our ears to stop its moan; but it was no good; the cry cut like a drill into our heads, dragging minutes into hours, hours into years. We withered and grew old between those cries.
Although gold and silver are not by nature money, money is by nature gold and silver.
The Flower that once has blown forever dies.
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