The quote “The law does not expressly permit suicide, and what it does not permit it forbids” is a reflection on the nature of law and its implications on individual actions. It essentially means that anything not explicitly allowed by law is implicitly forbidden. This is a principle often referred to as “expressio unius est exclusio alterius”, a Latin phrase meaning “the expression of one thing is the exclusion of the other”.
In the context of the quote, suicide is used as an example to demonstrate this principle. If the law doesn’t explicitly state that suicide is allowed, it’s considered forbidden. This interpretation is based on the idea that the law is designed to provide a framework for acceptable behaviors, and anything outside this framework is inherently not acceptable.
Applying this concept to today’s world, it could be used to interpret various legal and ethical dilemmas. For example, in areas of law where there is no explicit regulation, such as certain aspects of internet usage or space exploration, the principle can be used to argue that such actions are inherently forbidden until legislation is introduced to regulate them.
In terms of personal development, this quote might encourage individuals to think critically about the rules and structures that govern their lives, and to consider the implications of actions that fall outside of these established frameworks. It suggests that just because something isn’t explicitly forbidden doesn’t mean it’s allowed or ethically right. This could serve as a reminder to consider the potential consequences of our actions, and to strive for ethical behavior even in situations where the rules aren’t clearly defined.
