Quote by Leonard Cohen

Let judges secretly despair of justice: their verdicts will be more acute. Let generals secretly despair of triumph; killing will be defamed. Let priests secretly despair of faith: their compassion will be true.

Let judges secretly despair of justice: their verdicts will

Summary

This quote suggests that if individuals in positions of power, such as judges, generals, and priests, privately experience doubt and skepticism in their respective roles, it can have positive effects. It argues that judges, grappling with the limitations of justice, will render more thoughtful verdicts. Similarly, generals who question the ideology behind warfare will be deterred from taking lives, creating a negative perception of killing. Lastly, priests harboring doubt in their faith will display genuine and compassionate care for others. Implicitly, the quote suggests that questioning and introspection in these roles can lead to more ethical and empathetic actions.

Topics

Despair

By Leonard Cohen

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