But thus I counsel you, my friends: Mistrust all in whom…
“But thus I counsel you, my friends: Mistrust all in whom the impulse to punish is powerful. They are people of a low sort and stock; the hangmen and the bloodhound look out of their faces. Mistrust all who talk much of their justice! Verily, their souls lack more than honey. And when they call themselves the good and the just, do not forget that they would be pharisees, if only they had-power.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Beware of those whose desire to punish stems from low moral character; they often masquerade as righteous but are driven by power.
In simple terms: Mistrust power‑hungry judges of justice.
Key Takeaway
Question authority that seeks to punish.
Themes
ethics
power
trust
Mood
skeptical
cautious
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- legal systems
- political discourse
- personal relationships
- social media debates
Key Concepts
moral psychology
authority
hypocrisy
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it appropriate to trust a harsh judge?
- How do you differentiate genuine justice from power play?
A Different Perspective
Not all criticism is unjust; some may be necessary for accountability.