Why are you killing me for your own benefit? I am unarmed.' 'Why, do you not live on the other side of the water? My friend, if you lived on this side, I should be a murderer, but since you live on the other side, I am a brave man and it is right.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He critiques the moral inconsistency of judging actions differently based on geography, exposing a self‑serving rationalization.
- In plain terms
- Moral judgments change when the actor is distant.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware of double standards that justify harmful behavior.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do we excuse actions of others based on distance?
- How can we enforce consistent moral standards?
Another view
The example is anecdotal and may not capture broader moral frameworks.
More from Blaise Pascal
Qui sait si cette autre moitie de la vie ou nous pensons veiller n'est pas un autre sommeil un peu different du premier.
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