Ah, why should all mankind For one man's fault, be condemned, If guiltless?
Interpretation
The quote questions the fairness of punishing all for the sins of one individual.
In this quote, John Milton reflects on the moral implications of collective guilt and the injustice of holding the innocent accountable for the wrongdoings of a single person. It challenges the notion of shared responsibility and encourages a deeper examination of justice and individual culpability in human society.
In practice
In a discussion about justice and fairness in a classroom setting.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
When one rows it is not the rowing which moves the ship: rowing is only a magical ceremony by means of which one compels a demon to move the ship.
Arms and laws do not flourish together.
Woes and wonders of power, that tonic hell, synthesis of poison and panacea.
The Sage has no thinking mind and therefore there are no βothersβ for him.
I am at war with the living, I have come to terms with the dead.
True karate is this: that in daily life one's mind and body be trained and developed in a spirit of humility, and that in critical times, one be devoted utterly to the cause of justice.
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