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To plead for the Oppress'd and to defend the Weak seem'd…

“To plead for the Oppress'd and to defend the Weak seem'd to me a generous undertaking; for tho' it may be secure, 'tis not always Honourable to run over to the strongest party.” quote by Mary Astell
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“To plead for the Oppress'd and to defend the Weak seem'd to me a generous undertaking; for tho' it may be secure, 'tis not always Honourable to run over to the strongest party.”

Mary Astell

About This Quote

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

Defending the weak is noble, but blindly supporting the powerful can betray true honor; moral choices must consider justice over strength.

In simple terms: Justice over strength.

Key Takeaway

Choose the just, not the strong.

Themes

ethics justice weakness strength honor

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • activism
  • legal advocacy
  • community support
  • policy reform

Key Concepts

feminist philosophy political theory morality

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does defending the weak become self‑serving?
  • How do you balance courage and caution?
A Different Perspective

Power can corrupt good intentions.

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