Answers Quote by John Selden
“If the prisoner should ask the judge whether he would be content to be hanged, were he in his case, he would answer no. Then, says the prisoner, do as you would be done to.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: The Book of the Court, 1610
The prisoner would deny wanting execution if he were the judge, yet he urges the judge to treat him as he would wish to be treated.
In simple terms: People often reject what they would not want for themselves, yet demand it for others.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hypocrisy in judgments.
Themes
justice
hypocrisy
perspective
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- courtroom
- legal debates
- personal conflicts
- policy making
Key Concepts
ethical reasoning
self‑interest
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you judge others by your own standards?
- How can we ensure fairness without projecting personal bias?
A Different Perspective
The argument assumes the judge’s preferences align with the prisoner’s, which may not hold.
