Further, all men are to be loved equally. But since you…
““Further, all men are to be loved equally. But since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special regard to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstance, are brought into closer connection with you. For, suppose that you had a great deal of some commodity, and felt bound to give it away to somebody who had none, and that it could not be given to more than one person; if two persons presented themselves, neither of whom had either from need or relationship a greater claim upon you than the other, you could do nothing fairer than choose by lot to which you would give what could not be given to both. Just so among men: since you cannot consult for the good of them all, you must take the matter as decided for you by a sort of lot, according as each man happens for the time being to be more closely connected with you. Book 1, Chapter 28 - How we are to decide whom to aid””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When resources are limited, fairness can be achieved by random allocation, reflecting the randomness of human connections.
In simple terms: Give scarce help by chance when no clear priority exists.
Key Takeaway
Use impartial methods when choices are equally justified.
Themes
ethics
fairness
resource allocation
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- charitable giving
- disaster relief
- grant distribution
- community aid
- allocation allocation
Key Concepts
randomness
justice
human interdependence
Questions to Reflect On
- Is random choice truly fair?
- What criteria could improve equity?
A Different Perspective
Randomness may ignore deeper needs or systemic inequities.