"No duty, however, binds us to these so-called laws,
whose corrupting influence menaces what is noblest in our being..."
by:
Benjamin Constant
[Henri-Benjamin Constant de Rebecque] (1767-1830) Swiss-born thinker, writer and French politician.
Source:
Principles of Politics Applicable to All Governments (1810) (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2003), p. 401-402.
Rating:
Categories:
 
Bookmark and Share  
Reader comments about this quote:
Absolutely True.Nicely said.
 -- KS     
  •  
    Love it! that could have been said yesterday
     -- Robert, Sarasota     
  • 3
  •  
    Therein lies the rub -- it is the duty of the People to ignore and resist unconstitutional laws. That takes guts and at least an inkling of understanding of why it is so important.
     -- E Archer, NYC     
  • 6
  •  
    That is right, Archer. It takes understanding and understanding takes education. That is why today's students are so ignorant of history. Government schools mean to keep students ignorant and compliant so they will not resist unconstitutional laws.
     -- Ken, Allyn, WA     
  • 7
  •  
    So true. When a government makes an unjust law, it is the responsibility of the people to refuse to abide by it (I think I'm paraphrasing Gandhi).
     -- Anonymous     
  • 5
  •  
    The way to overcome an unjust law is known as Jury Nullification. Simply put, it means to vote Not Guilty.
     -- jim k, Austin, Tx     
  • 6
  •  
    No duty, plus we possess the power of NULLIFICATION, to Counteract Government Tyranny.
    -- If the People or States are ordered to abide an unconstitutional act of the federal government, nullification is proper.
     -- ValerieN, Richmond, VA.     
  • 3
  •  
     -- DENNIS KOLB, WARRENTON      
    The founding law premise of the de jure States united was set forth in the Declaration of Independence - each and every single sovereign was "to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them". Such Hebrew natural law, expressed through Greek based philosophy, nature's constabulary and "order" of common law administrations defines unalienable right(s), liberty, and nobility of the being - man. At natural law, corporeal man discovers that law and implements such tools as codes, ordinances, regulations, rules, statutes, etc. to define the eternally existing law and in so doing, give "order" so that the fullest enjoyment of life, liberty, happiness and rights could be had. Carnal despots and tyrannous malefactors implement a most heinous anti-natural law = legal positivism's corruption, subjection and enchainment through so called laws (a nebulous fiction of codes, ordinances, regulations, rules, statutes, etc.) to bind the noble sovereign. Noble man has "NO" duty to be a slave. "It is not always the same thing to be a good man and a good citizen." (Aristotle) "If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so." (Thomas Jefferson)
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
  • 2
  •  
    "The fear of the Lord is Pure enduring forever". When man fears the laws of tyrants, he looses sight of his treasure. AINDA QUE TARDIA, " Liberty, which thought late, However, Looking Favorable On Me Still." Sweeping the sand of lies from our Philosophical Foundation laid down by our Founding Fathers. Hebrew natural law expressed through/by Greek Philosophy. Two swords, are enough. OT+NT. " Tools of Knowledge coupled with Skills of Understanding supply the strength needed to stand the day, hand in hand = Content and Resolve. godliness with contentment is great gain ! Eusebes, "godliness" signifies Sacred Awe and describes reverence exhibited especially in Actions. To resist tyranny as Archer describes, is an act of godliness most today do not understand, but, are quickly being made aware of. "The truth which is according to godliness" is that which is productive of " godliness". A reverence of God's goodness in a justifiable rebellion against tyranny brought about by false teaching. " Thou shalt Not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause" Ex23:6. The sphere in which things are in proper Order to one's claims. The Form of which Good is( Plato ), "I seek after that which good is" ( king David ). Thank you Mike, for your Bold statement, thank you Archer for your great Courage. Semper Fi
     -- Ronw13, Oregon     
  •  
     
    Rate this quote!
    How many stars?
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

     
    What do YOU think?
    Your name:
    Your town:
        CLICK JUST ONCE!

    More Quotations
    Get a Quote-A-Day! Free!
    Liberty Quotes sent to your mail box.
    RSS Subscribe
    Quotes & Quotations - Send This Quote to a Friend

    © 1998-2024 Liberty-Tree.ca