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There is a point at which even justice does injury.
Sophocles
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Justice can sometimes lead to harm rather than good.

This quote by Sophocles suggests that while justice is typically seen as a positive force, there can be situations where the pursuit of justice may cause harm or injustice to individuals. It invites us to consider the complexities of moral decisions and highlights the potential negative consequences of rigidly adhering to a strict notion of justice without considering the broader context and the human element involved.

Themes

JusticeHarmMoralityDecisionComplexity

In practice

Example use cases

Discussing the implications of legal decisions in a courtroom.

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You clearly hate to yield, but you will regret it when your anger has passed. Such natures are justly the hardest for themselves to bear.
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