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Unable to make what is just strong, we have made what is strong just.
Blaise Pascal
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the relationship between justice and strength, suggesting that we have compromised justice to make it align with power.

Blaise Pascal's quote implies that in a world where true justice cannot achieve strength on its own, we have instead reshaped our concept of justice to fit the existing power structures. This highlights a moral dilemma where societal norms may prioritize might over fairness, thereby questioning the integrity of justice in a world influenced by power dynamics.

Themes

JusticeStrengthPowerMoralityEthics

In practice

Example use cases

During a debate on social justice, you might quote Pascal to highlight how power influences our understanding of what is fair.

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Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.
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