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About this quote

What does it mean?
We must submit to written law to avoid arbitrary rule by individuals.
In plain terms
Follow the law to avoid being ruled by a judge's whims.
What can you take from it?
The law protects you from personal tyranny.

Where it applies

  • legal system
  • governance
  • civil rights

Putting it to work

  • supporting legal frameworks
  • demanding due process
  • respecting statutes

Questions to consider

  • Is the law always fair?
  • How do we prevent legal despotism?

Another view

Laws can also be used oppressively if not checked.

More from Napoleon Bonaparte

  1. Water, air, and cleanness are the chief articles in my pharmacy.

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  2. We must laugh at man to avoid crying for him.

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  3. War is the business of barbarians.

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