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if you hate much, punish much: if you hate little, punish…

“if you hate much, punish much: if you hate little, punish little: punish as you hate. If you hate not at all, punish not at all:” quote by Jeremy Bentham
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““if you hate much, punish much: if you hate little, punish little: punish as you hate. If you hate not at all, punish not at all:””

Jeremy Bentham

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A principle linking the intensity of hatred to the severity of punishment, suggesting proportional justice based on emotional motivation

In simple terms: Punishment should match the level of hatred

Key Takeaway

Punish proportionally to hatred

Themes

ethics justice punishment

Mood

analytical thought‑provoking

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • legal reform
  • criminal sentencing
  • ethical debates

Key Concepts

Utilitarianism moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can law objectively assess hatred?
  • Is proportional punishment always just?
A Different Perspective

Human emotions are complex; proportionality may be hard to measure

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