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Justice Quote by Nien Cheng

“Justice? What is justice? It's a mere word. It's an abstract word with no universal meaning. To different classes of people, justice means different things.” quote by Nien Cheng
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““Justice? What is justice? It's a mere word. It's an abstract word with no universal meaning. To different classes of people, justice means different things.””

Nien Cheng

About This Quote

Source Book: Life and Death in Shanghai by Nien Cheng, 1977

Justice is a fluid concept that varies across social groups, lacking a single universal definition.

In simple terms: Justice means different things to different people.

Key Takeaway

Recognize diverse perspectives on fairness.

Themes

justice subjectivity social class

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical social

When to use this quote

  • policy debates
  • community mediation
  • legal reform
  • education curricula
  • human rights advocacy

Key Concepts

relativism ethics law

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do personal experiences shape your view of justice?
  • Can a single system satisfy all groups?
A Different Perspective

Universal definitions may overlook cultural nuances.

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