Every man claims the protection of this principle for himself, whether he is willing to accord it to others, or not.
Lysander Spooner: “Every man claims the protection of this principle for himself, whether he is willing to accord it to others, or not.”
Editor's note · Context
This statement reflects the inherent conflict in human nature regarding the principle of justice and self-interest.
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They do not attempt to deceive us, or mislead us, or reconcile us to their doings, by any such pretences, impostures, or insults as these.
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For all these reasons, they are not only modest and sensible, but really frank, honest, and honorable villains, contrasted with these courts of injustice, and the lawmakers by whom these courts are established.
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