The provision is very inferior to the cities of refuge…
““The provision is very inferior to the cities of refuge which were set apart by Moses for the manslayer to flee to from the fury of the avenger. Such as it was, however, it existed, and it is remarkable that Confucius, when consulted on the subject, took no notice of it, but affirmed the duty of blood-revenge in the strongest and most unrestricted terms.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He contrasts Moses’ cities of refuge with Confucian endorsement of blood‑revenge, highlighting differing moral frameworks
In simple terms: The text compares sanctuary laws with a stance that supports vengeance
Key Takeaway
Consider how cultural and religious contexts shape concepts of justice
Themes
justice
revenge
law
religion
culture
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legal history
- theological study
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
Mosaic law
Confucian ethics
blood‑revenge doctrine
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this contrast reveal about the evolution of moral codes?
- How do societies balance mercy and retribution?
A Different Perspective
May overlook nuances of each tradition’s internal logic