Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
True law is right reason in agreement with nature; it is of universal application, unchanging and everlasting; it summons to duty by its commands, and averts from wrong-doing by its prohibitions. And it does not lay its commands or prohibitions upon good men in vain, though neither have any effect on the wicked. It is a sin to try to to sic alter this law, nor is it allowable to attempt to repeal any part of it, and it is impossible to abolish it entirely. We cannot be freed from its obligations by senate or people, and we need not look outside ourselves for an expounder or interpreter of it. And there will not be different laws at Rome and at Athens, or different laws now and in the future, but one eternal and unchangeable law will be valid for all nations and all times, and there will be one master and ruler, that is, God, over us all, for he is the author of this law, its promulgator, and its enforcing judge. Whoever is disobedient is fleeing from himself and denying his human nature, and by reason of this very fact he will suffer the worst penalties, even if he escapes what is commonly considered punishment.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the concept of natural law, stating that true law is based on reason and in alignment with the principles of nature. It highlights that law is universal, unchanging, and everlasting, guiding individuals towards their duties and deterring wrongdoing. The quote emphasizes that this law applies to everyone, including both good and wicked individuals. It asserts that this law cannot be altered, repealed, or abolished by any authority, and that it is unnecessary to seek external interpretation or enforcement. It concludes that disobedience to this law is ultimately self-destructive, leading to severe consequences irrespective of conventional notions of punishment.
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