Chinese Proverb Quote

“Laws control the lesser man. Right conduct controls the greater one.”


Ratings and Comments


Mike, Norwalk

Speaks volumes to the character of the legislators, judiciary, and executive that add to their glory by the ton.

J Carlton, Calgary

Apparently government sees us all as "lesser men" as rights and laws got divorced a long time ago.

Waffler, Smith, Arkansas

Nice idea but I am thinking how Chinese life historically was controlled by "laws" surronding every action. You know "Confucius say this Confucius say that" etc.

Natalie, Turton, Nottingham

A nice reminder that I am not controlled by the law but by my own moral judgemet which my every decision is based upon, and tends to be right in the eyes of the law as opposed to simply conforming to the rules.

E Archer, NYC

Turn people into lesser men, and you will need to control them. Encourage the best of humanity, and watch men shine. It's the old 'teach a man to fish' story.

RobertSRQ
  • Reply
RobertSRQ    2/4/08

Perfect!

warren, olathe

Too bad the greater ones are not in power.

trinity dushon, S.F.,Calif

I'll give all of them a 2nd perfect

Bob, Charlotte

... Correct ... except it takes laws for some to conduct rightly.

Ronw13, Yachats Or

Look into the perfect Law of Liberty, forget not, be a goer and not only a hearer. I show you my faith by testimony and the fruits thereof by my works. Laws are for the lawless indeed. A lesser person will not turn, but for a bit and bridle in their mouth, An Upright person will walk at liberty among slaves.

jim k, Austin

A good example of an unjust law is a law that imprisons a person for growing or possessing marijuana . That's why we have a batch of new prisons and all jails are half full of non violent people. My drug of choice is caffeine via coffee.

Don Lee, Reno

Lame. Laws are only valid from Nature and Natures God. Those laws are followed by the greater man.

E Archer, NYC
  • Reply
E Archer, NYC Don Lee, Reno 8/19/20

And how are we to come to know Natural law?  How are we to be sure that man's laws are in accordance with the God of Nature?  It is the same as determining what is 'right conduct.'  So, the greater man does what he has determined to be right, no matter the laws.

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