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About this quote

What does it mean?
Laws and statutes can create conflict among people and even within ourselves.
In plain terms
Laws sometimes cause fighting between people and inside our own minds.
What can you take from it?
Rules can create division where unity is needed.

Where it applies

  • debating policy
  • feeling restricted
  • social justice

Putting it to work

  • community organizing
  • mediation
  • law reform

Questions to consider

  • When have rules caused more harm than good?
  • How do you balance order and freedom?

Another view

Laws are often necessary to maintain order and safety.

More from William Wordsworth

  1. Yet was Rob Roy as wise as brave; Forgive me if the phrase be strong;- A Poet worthy of Rob Roy Must scorn a timid song.

    Permalink to quote #138
  2. The good old rule Sufficeth them, the simple plan, That they should take, who have the power, And they should keep who can.

    Permalink to quote #140
  3. I listened, motionless and still; And, as I mounted up the hill, The music in my heart I bore, Long after it was heard no more.

    Permalink to quote #137

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