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About this quote

What does it mean?
Those who fear men like laws.
In plain terms
People who are afraid of other people resemble those who fear laws.
What can you take from it?
Fear of authority or others can limit personal freedom.

Where it applies

  • social dynamics
  • legal compliance

Putting it to work

  • building confidence in interactions
  • questioning blind obedience

Questions to consider

  • What distinguishes healthy respect from fear?
  • How does fear of law affect behavior?

Another view

The statement is vague and could be interpreted in many ways.

More from Luc de Clapiers, marquis de Vauvenargues

  1. Translated: Great thoughts come from the heart.

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  2. Pour executer de grandes choses, il faut vivre comme si on ne devait jamais mourir.

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  3. Les grandes pensees viennent du coeur.

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