The Moon is a Harsh Mistress Rules and Order Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

"That's okay," she answered, her voice warm again. "Everybody does business with the Authority, we can't avoid it—and that's the trouble. That's what we're going to change."

We are, eh? I thought. Everybody does business with Authority for same reason everybody does business with Law of Gravitation. Going to change that, too? (2.35-36)

The problem with the Authority's rules and regulations are pointed out here: They can't be challenged in any way—everybody has to do business with them, and it's not freedom if you don't have any choice. But unlike the tyranny of gravity, the revolutionaries might be able to do something about the Authority.

Quote #2

"You are right that the Authority must go. It is ridiculous—pestilential, not to be borne—that we should be ruled by an irresponsible dictator in all our essential economy! It strikes at the most basic human right, the right to bargain in a free marketplace." (2.89)

The Authority doesn't just have rules—they're compared to a "dictator" here, squashing "the most basic human right," a.k.a. the free market. Them's fighting words, that's for sure.

Quote #3

"True. But I will accept any rules that you feel necessary to your freedom. I am free, no matter what rules surround me. If I find them tolerable, I tolerate them; if I find them too obnoxious, I break them. I am free because I know what I alone am morally responsible for everything I do." (6.55)

The novel isn't suggesting there isn't a place for any rules. That would make for a, if you'll pardon the pun, very unruly world. It's just saying that the rules you live by are for you to decide.