Religion is so frequently a source of confusion in political life, and so frequently dangerous to democracy, precisely because it introduces absolutes into the realm of relative values.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
Family life is too intimate to be preserved by the spirit of justice. It can only be sustained by a spirit of love which goes beyond justice. Justice requires that we carefully weigh rights and privileges and assure that each member of a community receives his due share. Love does not weigh rights and privileges too carefully because it prompts each to bear the burden of the other.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Family life thrives on love rather than strict justice.
Reinhold Niebuhr's quote emphasizes that the essence of family relationships is rooted in love, which transcends the need for strict justice. While justice is concerned with fair treatment and distribution of rights and privileges, love fosters an environment where family members support and care for one another selflessly, prioritizing the well-being of each over rigid fairness.
Themes
FamilyLoveJusticeRelationshipsSupport
In practice
Example use cases
During a family gathering, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of love over fairness.
More from Reinhold Niebuhr
All quotes →The tendency to claim God as an ally for our partisan value and ends is the source of all religious fanaticism.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
The mastery of nature is vainly believed to be an adequate substitute for self mastery.
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All you earnest young men out to save the world. . . please, have a laugh.
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Forgiveness is the final form of love.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
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