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No man at bottom means injustice; it is always for some…

“No man at bottom means injustice; it is always for some obscure distorted image of a right that he contends: an obscure image diffracted, exaggerated, in the wonderfulest way by natural dimness and selfishness; getting tenfold more diffracted by exasperation of contest, till at length it become…” quote by Thomas Carlyle
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“No man at bottom means injustice; it is always for some obscure distorted image of a right that he contends: an obscure image diffracted, exaggerated, in the wonderfulest way by natural dimness and selfishness; getting tenfold more diffracted by exasperation of contest, till at length it become all but irrecognis-able.”

Thomas Carlyle

About This Quote

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

Power structures often hide injustice, distorted by self‑interest and conflict, making true fairness hard to perceive.

In simple terms: Power clouds fairness; truth is distorted.

Key Takeaway

Question authority and seek clarity.

Themes

justice power perception

Mood

critical inquisitive

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • organizational leadership
  • social movements

Key Concepts

philosophy political theory ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we uncover hidden injustices?
  • What role does personal bias play in shaping truth?
A Different Perspective

Complex issues may be oversimplified by bias.

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