Meaning: This quote, attributed to John L. Lewis, speaks to the idea that discontent and the spread of subversive ideologies are often fueled by individuals who choose to bypass established laws and institutions in pursuit of their own agendas. John L. Lewis, a prominent labor leader and activist, was known for his strong advocacy for workers' rights and his role in the formation of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in the 1930s. Throughout his career, Lewis was outspoken about the need for organized labor and the importance of upholding the rule of law in society.

In this quote, Lewis is likely addressing the dangers of individuals or groups who resort to vigilante justice or other forms of extralegal action to address their grievances. He suggests that such actions not only breed discontent within society but also give rise to alternative doctrines of government and philosophies that undermine the principles of good citizenship. By taking the law into their own hands, these individuals contribute to a breakdown of the established order and the erosion of the social fabric.

One interpretation of Lewis's words is that he is cautioning against the potential consequences of circumventing legal and democratic processes in the pursuit of change. While acknowledging the presence of discontent and the existence of legitimate grievances within society, Lewis seems to be emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues through established channels and institutions. By doing so, he implies that a commitment to the rule of law and the principles of good citizenship is essential for maintaining a stable and functional society.

Moreover, Lewis's emphasis on the impact of such actions on the broader philosophical and governmental landscape suggests a concern for the long-term implications of circumventing established norms. By promoting alternative doctrines of government and philosophies that are subversive of good citizenship, individuals who take the law into their own hands may inadvertently contribute to the destabilization of the social and political order. This can lead to the erosion of democratic principles and the proliferation of ideologies that are antithetical to the well-being of society as a whole.

In the context of Lewis's own activism within the labor movement, it is possible to interpret this quote as a reflection of his commitment to the principles of organized collective action and the pursuit of social and economic justice through lawful means. Throughout his career, Lewis advocated for the rights of workers and sought to address labor grievances through negotiation, collective bargaining, and other established mechanisms. By emphasizing the dangers of extralegal actions and their potential to breed discontent and subversive ideologies, Lewis may have been underscoring the importance of upholding the rule of law within the context of social and political change.

Ultimately, John L. Lewis's quote serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the rule of law and established institutions in addressing societal grievances. It underscores the potential consequences of circumventing legal processes and the impact such actions can have on the broader fabric of society. In doing so, it invites reflection on the role of citizenship, governance, and the maintenance of social order within a democratic framework.