Africa Quote by karen blixen
““The ideas of justice of Europe and Africa are not the same and those of the one world are unbearable to the other. To the African there is but one way of counter-balancing the catastrophes of existence, it shall be done by replacement; he does not look for the motive of an action. Whether you lie in wait for your enemy and cut his throat in the dark; or you fell a tree, and a thoughtless stranger passes by and is killed; so far as punishment goes, to the Native mind, it is the same thing. A loss has been brought upon the community and must be made up for, somewhere, by somebody. The Native will not give time or thought to the weighing of guilt or desert; either he fears that this may lead him too far, or he reasons that such things are no concerns of his. But he will devote himself, in endless speculations, to the method by which crime or disaster shall be weighed up in sheep and goats - time does not count to him; he leads you solemnly into a sacred maze of sophistry.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Unpublished reflections on justice, Africa and Europe, date unknown
Justice differs across cultures; some view balance as communal restitution rather than individual guilt.
In simple terms: Justice varies by culture and community.
Key Takeaway
Consider communal perspectives on justice.
Themes
justice
culture
restitution
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- legal studies
- anthropology discussions
Key Concepts
communal balance
ethical relativism
reparations
Questions to Reflect On
- How do communal and individual justice intersect?
- Can restitution replace punishment?
A Different Perspective
May ignore individual rights and modern legal standards.
