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About this quote

What does it mean?
Most people claim to seek justice just to avoid suffering it.
In plain terms
People want justice only to protect themselves.
What can you take from it?
Justice is often valued for self-protection not ethics.

Where it applies

  • activism
  • policy debates
  • personal ethics

Putting it to work

  • examining motives
  • practicing fairness

Questions to consider

  • Do you want justice for yourself?
  • Is true justice selfless?

Another view

Some pursue justice out of genuine altruism.

More from Francois de La Rochefoucauld

  1. Il est du veritable amour comme de l'apparition des esprits: tout le monde en parle, mais peu de gens en ont vu.

    Permalink to quote #28
  2. Le silence est le parti le plus sur de celui qui se defie de soi-meme.

    Permalink to quote #30
  3. L'amour aussi bien que le feu ne peut subsister sans un mouvement continuel; et il cesse de vivre des qu'il cesse d'esperer ou de craindre.

    Permalink to quote #27

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