Necessity hath no law. Feigned necessities, imagined necessities... are the greatest cozenage that men can put upon the Providence of God, and make pretenses to break known rules by.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Cromwell argues that while necessity can override law, false claims of necessity are dangerous deceptions.
- In plain terms
- He says real necessity has no law, but making up reasons to break rules is a huge trick on people and God.
- What can you take from it?
- Distinguish genuine necessity from fabricated excuses used to break rules.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does necessity justify breaking rules?
- Who decides what is necessary?
Another view
Defining true necessity is itself subjective and open to abuse.
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