Full Idea
No one can assert a right against nature.
Gist of Idea
We cannot assert rights which are unnatural
Source
Georg W.F.Hegel (Elements of the Philosophy of Right [1821], 244 add)
Book Reference
Hegel,Georg W.F.: 'Elements of the Philosophy of Right', ed/tr. Wood,Allen W. [CUP 1991], p.266
A Reaction
Although the existence of natural rights is dubious (or nonsense, for Bentham), this is a vague but sensible constraint on what can plausibly be asserted as a right. The rights we create in society must respond to natural needs.