Such professions as the soldier and the lawyer ... give…
“Such professions as the soldier and the lawyer ... give ample opportunity for crimes but not much for mere illusions. ... If you have lost a battle you cannot believe you have won it; if your client is hanged you cannot pretend that you have gotten him off.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Professions like soldiers and lawyers present real moral dilemmas, not fantasies; losing a battle or client cannot be denied
In simple terms: Real professions involve hard truths, not delusions
Key Takeaway
Accept reality of outcomes in duty
Themes
ethics
profession
truth
Mood
serious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- court cases
- combat missions
- legal defense
Key Concepts
philosophy
law
military ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How to confront professional defeat?
- When is optimism harmful?
A Different Perspective
Denial may hinder learning from failure