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Alive Quote by John Locke

“For it will be very difficult to persuade men of sense that he who with dry eyes and satisfaction of mind can deliver his brother to the executioner to be burnt alive, does sincerely and heartily concern himself to save that brother from the flames of hell in the world to come.” quote by John Locke
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““For it will be very difficult to persuade men of sense that he who with dry eyes and satisfaction of mind can deliver his brother to the executioner to be burnt alive, does sincerely and heartily concern himself to save that brother from the flames of hell in the world to come.””

John Locke

About This Quote

A rational person must struggle with the paradox of condemning a brother to hell while trying to save him, highlighting moral conflict.

In simple terms: Moral dilemmas can force painful contradictions.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge and wrestle with moral contradictions.

Themes

morality paradox religion

Mood

conflicted thoughtful

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • theological debate
  • legal judgment
  • family loyalty
  • personal conscience

Key Concepts

theodicy ethical conflict

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you reconcile conflicting duties?
  • What guides your moral choices in extreme cases?
A Different Perspective

Resolving such paradoxes may be impossible without compromise.

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