I believe that pity is a law like justice, and that…
“I believe that pity is a law like justice, and that kindness is a duty like uprightness. That which is weak has a right to the kindness and pity of that which is strong. In the relations of man with the animals...there is a great ethic, scarcely perceived as yet, which will at length break through into the light, and which will be the corollary and the complement to humans ethics. Are there not here unsounded depths for the thinker? Is one to think oneself mad because one has the sentiment of universal pity in one's heart?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Kindness and pity are moral duties equal to justice, especially toward the weak and animals, hinting at a deeper universal ethic.
In simple terms: Kindness is a duty like justice, especially for the weak.
Key Takeaway
Treat the weak with compassion.
Themes
ethics
compassion
justice
human-animal relations
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- social activism
- animal welfare
- personal reflection
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
moral duty
universal pity
ethical philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance compassion with practical limits?
- What responsibilities do we have toward animals?
A Different Perspective
The concept may be idealistic and hard to apply universally.