But what is Hope? Nothing but the paint on the face of Existence; the least touch of truth rubs it off, and then we see what a hollow-cheeked harlot we have got hold of.
Lord ByronRead
He who is only just is cruel; who Upon the earth would live were all judged justly?
Interpretation
What this quote means
Justice without compassion can lead to cruelty and harshness in life.
This quote by Lord Byron suggests that if everyone were to be judged strictly by justice alone, life would become unbearable and cruel. It implies that justice must be balanced with mercy and understanding to maintain humanity and compassion in our judgments of others.
Themes
JusticeCompassionCrueltyJudgmentMercy
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on the importance of compassion in the justice system.
More from Lord Byron
All quotes βIt is the lava of the imagination whose eruption prevents an earthquake.
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For what were all these country patriots born? To hunt, and vote, and raise the price of corn?
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Absence - that common cure of love.
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Her great merit is finding out mine; there is nothing so amiable as discernment.
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But words are things, and a small drop of ink, Falling like dew, upon a thought, produces That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.
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