Believe Quote by Antoinette Bosco
“The pain of losing a loved one by the horrible act of murder is not lessened by the horrible murder of another, not even when it is cloaked as 'justice' and state-sanctioned. It is only a delusion to believe that one's pain is ended by making someone else feel pain.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Ethics of Retribution, 2020
Murder does not erase the pain of loss; seeking vengeance creates a false promise of closure and perpetuates suffering.
In simple terms: Violence doesn’t heal grief.
Key Takeaway
Pursue justice, not revenge.
Themes
grief
justice
violence
ethics
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- victim support
- peacebuilding
Key Concepts
retributive justice
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Can true healing occur without confronting the perpetrator?
- What alternatives to vengeance can societies adopt?
A Different Perspective
Retribution may feel satisfying but fuels cycles of harm.
