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About this quote

What does it mean?
Only those with the will and ability to follow laws should follow them.
In plain terms
Follow rules only if you can and want to.
What can you take from it?
Question authority if laws do not apply to you personally.

Where it applies

  • disagreeing with rules
  • seeking independence
  • political dissent

Putting it to work

  • civil disobedience
  • questioning authority
  • setting boundaries

Questions to consider

  • Do you feel laws are made for others?
  • When is it right to break a rule?

Another view

It could justify ignoring necessary social contracts.

More from A. E. Housman

  1. But men at whiles are sober And think by fits and starts, And if they think, they fasten Their hands upon their hearts.

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  2. And how am I to face the odds Of man's bedevilment and God's? I, a stranger and afraid In a world I never made.

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  3. The troubles of our proud and angry dust Are from eternity, and shall not fail. Bear them we can, and if we can we must. Shoulder the sky, my lad, and drink yo…

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