Justice Quote by James Agee
![“The passion for vengeance is a terrifyingly strong one, very easily and probably inevitably wrought up by such evidence [of atrocities], even at our distance. But however well aware I am of its strength, and that in its full immediate force and expression it is in some respects irrelevant to moral…” quote by James Agee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dd6/james-agee-9167_justice_the-passion-for-vengeance-is-a-terrifyin_162590.jpg)
““The passion for vengeance is a terrifyingly strong one, very easily and probably inevitably wrought up by such evidence [of atrocities], even at our distance. But however well aware I am of its strength, and that in its full immediate force and expression it is in some respects irrelevant to moral inquiry, I doubt that it is ever to be honored, or regarded as other than evil and in every direction fatally degrading and destructive; even when it is obeyed in hot blood or in a crisis of prevention; far worse when it is obeyed in cold blood and in the illusion of carrying out justice.””
About This Quote
Vengeance is a powerful, destructive force that can arise from witnessing atrocities, but it is morally irrelevant and ultimately evil, especially when rationalized as justice.
In simple terms: Revenge is strong but harmful and should not be honored.
Key Takeaway
Reject vengeance; seek justice through compassion.
Themes
morality
justice
violence
psychology
ethics
Mood
dark
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- war crimes
- personal betrayal
- legal trials
- political conflict
Key Concepts
retributive justice
moral philosophy
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeking revenge affect your sense of self?
- Can justice be achieved without retaliation?
A Different Perspective
Vengeance can blind moral judgment and perpetuate cycles of harm.
![“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)
