Justice Quote by Jonathan Swift
““Now, in this case, I, who am the right owner, lie under two great disadvantages: first, my lawyer, being practised almost from his cradle in defending falsehood, is quite out of his element when he would be an advocate for justice, which is an unnatural office he always attempts with great awkwardness, if not with ill-will.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Gulliver's Travels, 1726
A lawyer accustomed to defending lies feels out of place when required to champion justice, leading to awkwardness or possible ill will.
In simple terms: A lawyer used to lying struggles with defending truth.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when expertise mismatches duty.
Themes
justice
law
ethics
professionalism
Mood
conflicted
reflective
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- courtroom
- political debate
- corporate compliance
- human‑rights advocacy
Key Concepts
advocacy
integrity
cognitive dissonance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one prepare for roles that conflict with prior habits?
- What safeguards ensure ethical advocacy?
A Different Perspective
Even skilled advocates may lack the moral conviction needed for justice.
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