Justice without force is powerless; force without justice is tyrannical.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He notes that justice without power is ineffective, while power without justice becomes tyranny.
- In plain terms
- Justice needs power; power needs justice.
- What can you take from it?
- Balance authority with moral legitimacy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How can societies ensure power serves justice?
- What safeguards prevent power from becoming tyrannical?
Another view
The claim may oversimplify complex power dynamics.
More from Blaise Pascal
In every man's heart there is an emptiness that only God can fill with his son Jesus Christ.
Permalink to quote #73 Ne pouvant fortifier la justice, on a justifie la force.
Permalink to quote #75 If God does not exist, one will lose nothing by believing in him, while if he does exist, one will lose everything by not believing.
Permalink to quote #72
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