justice - quotes

Ambrose (Gwinnett) Bierce, 1842-1914

was an US author and satirist

JUSTICE, n. A commodity which is a more or less adulterated condition the State sells to the citizen as a reward for his allegiance, taxes and personal service.

( “The Devil's Dictionary”, 1906 )

Henry David Thoreau, 1817-1862

was an US Transcendentalist author

But government in which the majority rule in all cases can not be based on justice, even as far as men understand it.

( “Civil Disobedience”, 1849 )

John Stuart Mill, 1806-1873

was an English economist and philosopher

If mankind minus one were of one opinion, then mankind is no more justified in silencing the one than the one — if he had the power — would be justified in silencing mankind.

Albert Einstein, 1879-1955

was an US (German-born) physicist

The pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, an almost fanatical love of justice, and the desire for personal independence — these are the features of Jewish tradition that make me thank my stars that I belong to it.

( “The World As I See It”, 1934 )

H(enry) L(ouis) Mencken, 1880-1956

was an American journalist, essayist, magazine editor, satirist, acerbic critic of American life and culture

Injustice is relatively easy to bear; what stings is justice.