Justice Quote by Blaise Pascal
““Justice, might.—It is right that what is just should be obeyed; it is necessary that what is strongest should be obeyed. Justice without might is helpless; might without justice is tyrannical. Justice without might is gainsaid, because there are always offenders; might without justice is condemned. We must then combine justice and might, and for this end make what is just strong, or what is strong just. Justice is subject to dispute; might is easily recognised and is not disputed. So we cannot give might to justice, because might has gainsaid justice, and has declared that it is she herself who is just. And thus being unable to make what is just strong, we have made what is strong just.””
About This Quote
The passage argues that justice and power must be balanced; neither should dominate alone, as each without the other leads to dysfunction.
In simple terms: Justice and power need each other.
Key Takeaway
Seek balance between fairness and strength.
Themes
justice
power
ethics
politics
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- governance
- law enforcement
- organizational leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
social contract
legitimacy
authority
morality
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a society thrive without strong enforcement?
- How to prevent power from becoming tyrannical?
A Different Perspective
Power can corrupt justice, and justice can limit necessary authority.
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
