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About this quote

What does it mean?
Tears shed for corrupt figures are misplaced, showing sympathy for the wrong targets.
In plain terms
Don't cry for people who are corrupt.
What can you take from it?
Compassion should not be wasted on corruption.

Where it applies

  • political scandals
  • legal trials
  • moral judgments

Putting it to work

  • evaluate character
  • demand accountability
  • redirect empathy

Questions to consider

  • Who deserves your sympathy?
  • How do you judge guilt?

Another view

Some corrupt people may evoke pity for their fallen status.

More from Arthur Miller

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  3. Danforth: Do you mean to deny this confession when you are free? Proctor: I mean to deny nothing! Danforth: Then explain to me, Mr. Proctor, why you will not l…

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