The rashness of the persecutor hath overspread the rights of the persecuted so that punishment is awarded to him that has gained the victory, the inglorious triumphs, and the man who deserved bonds has carried off the prize.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the injustice faced by the persecuted, where the oppressor's actions overshadow the rightful claims of the victim.
Thomas Becket's quote critiques the moral failures of society where the wrongdoer prevails over the wronged, illuminating the paradox of 'victory' in persecution. It emphasizes that often the true victims suffer greater injustices while the oppressors are rewarded, prompting reflections on the nature of justice and accountability.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about social justice to highlight the struggles of marginalized communities.
It is important that the Church of London, which has now lost its ruler, should receive for its new bishop a man whose personal merit, attainments in learning, and prudence in managing public business shall not be unworthy of the dignity of that see.
I am ready to die for my Lord, that in my blood the Church may obtain liberty and peace.
The more I loved the king, the more I opposed his injustice until his brow fell lowering upon me. He heaped calumny after calumny on my head, and I chose to be driven out rather than to subscribe.
Could I anticipate the enmity of those for whom I encountered such opposition? If they had been willing, I should have gained the victory. But the head faints when it is abandoned by the other members. If they had been wise they would have seen that in attacking me they were attacking their own privileges and serving princes to their own servitude.
Whosoever wisely examines the works of God will speedily discover what is next to be done.
In truth, we have delayed to pass sentence on the person of our lord the king, waiting, if perhaps he may, by God's grace, repent; but we will pass it ere long unless he does repent.
A chair is the first thing you need when you don’t really need anything, and is therefore a peculiarly compelling symbol of civilization. For it is civilization, not survival, that requires design.
I know what you want. You want a story that won't surprise you. That will confirm what you already know. That won't make you see higher or further or differently. You want a flat story. An immobile story. You want dry, yeastless factuality.
Man is fully responsible for his nature and his choices.
God is pleased continually to vary His mode of dealing with us, in order that we may not be tempted to trust in donors, or in circumstances, but in Him alone, and to keep our eye fixed upon Him.
It is truly enough said that a corporation has no conscience, but a corporation of conscientious men is a corporation with a conscience.
A miracle is not the breaking of physical laws, but rather represents laws which are incomprehensible to us.
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