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Dat veniam corvis, vexat censura columbas. - Censure acquits the raven, but pursues the dove.
Juvenal
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Criticism is often more lenient towards those who are guilty while unfairly targeting the innocent.

This quote by Juvenal highlights the paradox of criticism, where the wrongdoings of the guilty (the raven) are overlooked, while the innocent (the dove) face undue scrutiny. It suggests a societal tendency to forgive or ignore the flaws of the corrupt, while harshly judging those who are virtuous or harmless.

Themes

CriticismInnocenceGuiltSocietyJustice

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about fairness in judgment, one might say, 'As Juvenal stated, censure acquits the raven, but pursues the dove.'

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All wish to possess knowledge, but few, comparatively speaking, are willing to pay the price.
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This is his first punishment, that by the verdict of his own heart no guilty man is acquitted.
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