A principle is a law or rule that has to be, or usually is to be followed, or can be desirably followed, or is an inevitable consequence of something, such as the laws observed in nature or the way that a system is constructed. The principles of such a system are understood by its users as the essential characteristics of the system, or reflecting system's designed purpose, and the effective operation or use of which would be impossible if any one of the principles was to be ignored.
Examples of principles:
- a descriptive comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption,
- a normative rule or code of conduct,
- a law or fact of nature underlying the working of an artificial device.
Read more about Principle: Principle As Cause
Famous quotes containing the word principle:
“The principle of the brotherhood of man is ... narcissistic ... for the grounds for that love have always been the assumption that we ought to realize that we are the same the whole world over.”
—Germaine Greer (b. 1939)
“Help thyself: then everyone will help thee too. Principle of Christian charity.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)
“The principle of subordination is the great bond of union and harmony through the universe.”
—Catherine E. Beecher (1800–1878)