Nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced.
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Judging is a lonely job in which a man is, as near as may be, an island entire.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Judging others can lead to isolation, as the judge often stands alone in their decisions.
In this quote, Abe Fortas reflects on the solitary nature of judgment. He suggests that those who judge others may find themselves distanced from social connections, much like an island that is separate from the mainland. This isolation can stem from the role of a judge or the act of passing judgment on others, causing a rift between the judge and those being judged. The metaphor emphasizes the psychological burden and loneliness that can accompany the responsibility of making judgments about others.
Themes
JudgmentLonelinessIsolationResponsibilityPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the burdens of leadership, one might say, 'As Abe Fortas said, judging is a lonely job, reminding us of the isolation leaders may feel.'
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