Human affairs inspire in noble hearts only two feelings-admiration or pity.
Anatole FranceRead
Justice is the means by which established injustices are sanctioned
Interpretation
What this quote means
Justice often protects existing inequalities rather than correcting them.
Anatole France's quote suggests that the concept of justice, as it is often practiced, may serve to uphold and legitimize systemic injustices rather than provide true fairness or equity. This cynicism about the justice system implies that what is deemed 'just' can be influenced by those in power, reinforcing instead of rectifying societal wrongs.
Themes
JusticeInjusticeLawEquitySociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about legal reforms, one might say, 'As Anatole France noted, justice often reflects the status quo rather than challenging it.'
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In its majestic equality, the law forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets and steal loaves of bread.
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There is a certain impertinence in allowing oneself to be burned for an opinion.
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Lovers who love truly do not write down their happiness.
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A person is never happy except at the price of some ignorance.
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