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At the next vacancy for God, if I am elected, I shall…

“At the next vacancy for God, if I am elected, I shall forgive last the delicately wounded who, having been slugged no harder than anyone else, never got up again, neither to fight back, nor to finger their jaws in painful admiration.” quote by John Ciardi
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“At the next vacancy for God, if I am elected, I shall forgive last the delicately wounded who, having been slugged no harder than anyone else, never got up again, neither to fight back, nor to finger their jaws in painful admiration.”

John Ciardi

About This Quote

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

The speaker promises to pardon those who are harmed but cannot retaliate, showing compassion for the powerless.

In simple terms: Forgive the victimized who cannot fight back.

Key Takeaway

Show mercy to the defeated.

Themes

compassion justice power forgiveness politics

Mood

reflective empathetic

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • court judgments
  • political negotiations
  • social reform
  • human rights advocacy

Key Concepts

Ethics victimhood political rhetoric

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does forgiving the powerless affect societal power dynamics?
  • Can mercy replace accountability?
A Different Perspective

Pardoning may enable continued oppression if not paired with systemic change.

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