There is, however, a court of appeal from one's…
““There is, however, a court of appeal from one's judgements: objective reality. A judge puts himself on trial every time he pronounces a verdict. It is only in today's reign of amoral cynicism, subjectivism and hooliganism that men may imagine themselves free to utter any sort of irrational judgement and to suffer no consequences. But, in fact, a man is to be judged by the judgements he pronounces. The things which he condemns or extols exist in objective reality and are open to the independent appraisal of others. It is his own moral character and standards that he reveals, when he blames or praises. If he condemns America and extols Soviet Russia—or if he attacks businessmen and defends juvenile delinquents—or if he denounces a great work of art and praises trash—it is the nature of his own soul that he confesses.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
We are judged by the standards we apply to others; our judgments reveal our moral character.
In simple terms: Our judgments reflect our character.
Key Takeaway
Examine the standards you apply to others.
Themes
morality
judgment
character
truth
responsibility
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- media criticism
- personal ethics
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
subjectivity
objective reality
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you judge others by the same standards you expect for yourself?
- How do cultural contexts affect what is considered objective?
A Different Perspective
It assumes a single objective reality, which can be contested.