Justice Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne
““The public is despotic in its temper; it is capable of denying common justice when too strenuously demanded as a right; but quite as frequently it awards more than justice, when the appeal is made, as despots love to have it made, entirely to its generosity.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Public and Justice, Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1845
Society can both deny and grant justice, reflecting its fickle nature and the power of collective generosity.
In simple terms: Society swings between denying and granting justice.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the dual nature of public opinion.
Themes
justice
society
power
generosity
politics
Mood
critical
thoughtful
concerned
Type
political
social
ethical
When to use this quote
- voting
- legal reforms
- public protests
- community decisions
Key Concepts
social contract
collective behavior
morality
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you seen justice denied or granted by the masses?
- How can individuals influence collective generosity?
A Different Perspective
Public opinion can be swayed by rhetoric, leading to inconsistency.
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
