Compassion Quote by Junius
“Compassion to an offender who has grossly violated the laws is, in effect, a cruelty to the peaceable subject who has observed them.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: The Letters of Junius, 1772-1773
Compassion toward a serious offender harms those who obey the law by undermining justice.
In simple terms: Being kind to a lawbreaker hurts law‑abiding people.
Key Takeaway
Protect the peaceable by upholding justice.
Themes
justice
compassion
law
peace
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- courtrooms
- community meetings
- policy debates
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance mercy with fairness?
- What protects law‑abiding citizens?
A Different Perspective
Compassion may be misplaced if it ignores victims.
