Men speak of natural rights, but I challenge any one to show where in nature any rights existed or were recognized until there was established for their declaration and protection a duly promulgated body of corresponding laws.
Meaning of the quote
The quote suggests that people often talk about natural rights, but it's hard to find examples of these rights actually existing in the natural world. The quote argues that rights only become recognized and protected when there are laws established to declare and uphold them. In other words, rights don't just exist naturally - they need to be formally recognized and enforced through a system of laws.
More quotes from Calvin Coolidge
Prosperity is only an instrument to be used, not a deity to be worshipped.
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Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.
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All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.
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Industry, thrift and self-control are not sought because they create wealth, but because they create character.
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I have never been hurt by what I have not said.
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If you see ten troubles coming down the road, you can be sure that nine will run into the ditch before they reach you.
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Patriotism is easy to understand in America. It means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country.
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The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.
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Four-fifths of all our troubles would disappear, if we would only sit down and keep still.
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Never go out to meet trouble. If you just sit still, nine cases out of ten, someone will intercept it before it reaches you.
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Economy is the method by which we prepare today to afford the improvements of tomorrow.
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Heroism is not only in the man, but in the occasion.
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It is only when men begin to worship that they begin to grow.
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Advertising is the life of trade.
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Ultimately property rights and personal rights are the same thing.
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Any man who does not like dogs and want them about does not deserve to be in the White House.
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One with the law is a majority.
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Civilization and profit go hand in hand.
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