The only justice is to follow the sincere intuition of the soul, angry or gentle. Anger is just, and pity is just, but judgement is never just.
In this quote, D. H. Lawrence argues that true justice is not found in external rules or societal judgments, but in following the sincere intuition of the soul. He suggests that emotions like anger and pity can both be just, as they arise from a deep, personal sense of right and wrong. Anger, when it is genuine, can reflect the need for justice, just as pity can reflect compassion. However, judgment, as Lawrence points out, is never truly just, as it is often clouded by personal biases, societal norms, or superficial views.
Lawrence emphasizes that anger can be a righteous emotion when it arises from a place of moral clarity and is aimed at injustice. Similarly, pity, though often seen as a softer emotion, can also be rooted in a just desire to alleviate suffering. He contrasts these emotions with judgment, which he sees as problematic because it is an intellectual process that can be detached from genuine feelings of empathy or moral insight. Judgment tends to be shaped by external factors, making it less pure and less aligned with true justice.
The origin of this quote lies in Lawrence’s broader philosophical and literary works, where he often explored themes of emotion, justice, and personal morality. As a novelist and poet, Lawrence questioned the societal and institutional forces that shaped human behavior, often advocating for a return to personal, instinctual truths. His belief in the importance of following one’s soul rather than relying on external systems of judgment reflects his existential views on human nature.
Ultimately, Lawrence’s quote suggests that justice comes from within, through the honest, unfiltered emotions of the soul, whether that be in anger or pity. It calls for a deeper, more authentic approach to morality, one that is not clouded by external judgments or societal expectations. By recognizing the sincerity of emotions like anger and pity, we can move toward a more compassionate and true form of justice.
KNKim Nhung
This quote resonates with critiques of rigid legal systems that lack empathy. How might embracing both anger and pity as just emotions change the way societies administer justice? Could this lead to more restorative rather than punitive practices? It highlights the tension between emotion and rationality in ethical decision-making.
XKLuu Xuan Kha
Reading this, I’m curious about the role of the ‘sincere intuition of the soul.’ How do individuals discern between genuine intuition and biased or harmful feelings? Can following such intuition lead to universally just outcomes, or is justice always personal? This quote challenges us to think about the foundation of our ethical beliefs.
QTNguyen Quang Thang
The idea that both anger and pity can be just emotions contrasts sharply with the rejection of judgment. Could this mean that authentic emotional responses are more aligned with true justice than calculated decisions? How might this view influence how we approach conflicts or interpersonal disputes? It suggests a more compassionate and intuitive approach to justice.
NTThuy Dung Nguyen thi
This perspective challenges the legitimacy of judgment, which is intriguing. If judgment is never just, does that mean all legal or moral decisions are fundamentally unfair? How do we reconcile this with the necessity of laws and consequences in society? The quote invites a deeper exploration of the difference between personal moral intuition and formalized justice.
XLSieu xe Long
D. H. Lawrence’s quote suggests a profound view of justice rooted in personal intuition rather than societal judgment. How do we balance following our authentic feelings, whether anger or pity, with the need for objective fairness? Does this imply that institutional justice systems are inherently flawed? It raises questions about the nature of justice—is it subjective and emotional, or must it be detached and impartial?