As [a citizen] is a “law-maker,” he should not be a “law-breaker,” for he ought to be conscious that every departure from the established ordinances of society is an infraction of his rights. His power can only be maintained by the supremacy of the laws, as in monarchies, the authority of the king is asserted by obedience to his orders. The citizen in lending a cheerful assistance to the ministers of the law, on all occasions, is merely helping to maintain his own power. This feature in particular, distinguishes the citizen from the subject.

More quotes by James Fenimore Cooper

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"History, like love, is so apt to surround her heroes with an atmosphere of imaginary brightness."

- James Fenimore Cooper

Reflection

More Responsibility Quotes

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"We have raised the bar. … But that doesn’t raise it just for the youth. That raises it for the parents, who have the primary responsibility for teaching their children principles. That raises it for the leaders. That raises it for the teachers. We’ve all got to take a step up in a world that is unraveling as fast as this one is."

- President M. Russell Ballard

Responsibility

"Obstacles can’t stop you. Problems can’t stop you. People can’t stop you. Only you can stop you."

- Unknown

Responsibility

"Life comes at a cost. Wouldn’t it be arrogant to die before you’ve repaid that debt?"

- Yuuji Kazami

Responsibility

"You can’t win a game by doing nothing. And if someone else wins it for you then you haven’t accomplished anything. Life is the same way."

- Junichirou Kagami

Responsibility

"Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country."

- John F. Kennedy

Responsibility