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About this quote

What does it mean?
If nature and others commit grave sins without punishment, why should the speaker be condemned?
In plain terms
Others sin too, so why single me out?
What can you take from it?
Hypocrisy and unfair judgment feel harsh when everyone errs.

Where it applies

  • feeling unfairly treated
  • questioning authority

Putting it to work

  • advocating fairness
  • self-defense

Questions to consider

  • When have you felt judged unfairly?
  • How do you respond to hypocrisy?

Another view

One's own faults do not excuse others' sins.

More from John Donne

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  3. At the round earth's imagin'd corners, blow Your trumpets, angels, and arise, arise From death, you numberless infinities Of souls, and to your scattred bodies…

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