I understand solidarity in sin among men; solidarity in…
““I understand solidarity in sin among men; solidarity in retribution I also understand; but what solidarity in sin do little children have? ...And if the suffering of children goes to make up the sum of suffering needed to buy truth, then I assert beforehand that the whole of truth is not worth such a price.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human suffering is weighed against moral truth, questioning whether innocent pain can justify higher knowledge.
In simple terms: Suffering may be used to justify truth, but it is morally problematic.
Key Takeaway
Question the cost of truth when it harms the innocent.
Themes
ethics
philosophy
humanity
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- war
- poverty
- child labor
- social injustice
Key Concepts
moral calculus
theodicy
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is any truth worth the price of innocent suffering?
- How do societies balance truth‑seeking with protecting the vulnerable?
A Different Perspective
Truth pursued through suffering can be exploited or misused.