If it had not been for the pernicious power of envy, men…
“If it had not been for the pernicious power of envy, men would not so have exalted vengeance above innocence and profit above justice... in these acts of revenge on others, men take it upon themselves to begin the process of repealing those general laws of humanity which are there to give a hope of salvation to all who are in distress.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Envy fuels vengeance, causing societies to prioritize revenge and profit over innocence and justice, undermining universal moral laws.
In simple terms: Envy leads to revenge and injustice.
Key Takeaway
Beware envy’s corrupting influence.
Themes
ethics
politics
human nature
justice
revenge
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- legal reform
- conflict resolution
- community building
Key Concepts
Moral decay
social cohesion
law
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How does envy shape personal decisions?
- Can societies prevent vengeance through institutions?
A Different Perspective
Envy is not the sole cause of injustice; other factors also play roles.