David Herbert Lawrence: '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.'

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 his quote "The only justice is to follow the sincere intuition of the soul, angry or gentle. Anger is just, and pity is just, but judgment is never just," David Herbert Lawrence brings forth a powerful and thought-provoking perspective on the nature of justice and human emotions. The quote suggests that authentic justice can only be attained by allowing our sincere intuition to guide us, regardless of whether our emotions manifest as anger or tenderness. Lawrence also argues that while anger and pity can be just responses to certain situations, judgment itself is never truly just. This quote encourages us to delve deeper into the complexities of justice and offers room for philosophical contemplation.At its core, Lawrence's quote urges individual introspection and prompts us to question the conventional notions of justice. It suggests that true justice lies within ourselves, in the sincerity of our intuition. Lawrence recognizes that human emotions, even those deemed negative, hold inherent value in our pursuit of justice. Anger, often associated with irrationality, can, in fact, be a just response when fueled by authentic intuition. It represents a passionate call to rectify injustices, challenging the notion that justice must always be delivered dispassionately.Similarly, Lawrence acknowledges the significance of pity as a just emotion. Pity arises from our ability to empathize with the suffering of others and compels us to take action. It serves as a catalyst for bringing about positive change and alleviating pain, as it urges us to extend a helping hand rather than passing judgment. By acknowledging the justness of anger and pity, Lawrence broadens our understanding of justice, recognizing the power of these emotions to ignite meaningful transformations.Where Lawrence's quote takes an unexpected turn is his assertion that judgment is never just. In a world built upon societal norms and various systems of justice, it may initially seem counterintuitive to dismiss judgment as inherently unjust. However, Lawrence prompts us to question whether judgment truly serves the purpose of justice or whether it often obscures our path towards genuine fairness.According to Lawrence, judgment is influenced by biases, prejudices, and preconceived notions, all of which hinder the pursuit of true justice. In a society where judgment is prevalent, there is a tendency to overlook the subtle nuances of individual experiences and circumstances. Instead, individuals are often hastily categorized based on limited information or stereotypes. Thus, judgment fails to capture the complexities and multifaceted nature of human lives, leading to distorted perceptions of justice.Introducing an unexpected philosophical concept adds intrigue and depth to Lawrence's quote. Let us consider the notion of "moral imagination." Coined by philosopher Martha Nussbaum, moral imagination refers to the ability to empathize with others, particularly those who are different from us, and to envision alternative perspectives and potential solutions. In connecting moral imagination to Lawrence's quote, we can see how it aligns with his emphasis on sincere intuition and the importance of anger and pity in the pursuit of justice.By employing moral imagination, we can transcend the limitations of judgment and overcome the biases that impede our quest for justice. It allows us to delve into the profound richness of human experiences, enabling a more empathetic approach towards others. Through moral imagination, we can navigate the complexities of justice with openness and understanding, recognizing that the diverse tapestry of perspectives deserves to be heard and considered.In conclusion, David Herbert Lawrence's quote about justice prompts us to reevaluate our understanding of this concept. It challenges the conventional wisdom that judgment is always just and instead advocates for following the sincere intuition of the soul, even when it translates into emotions like anger or pity. By embracing these inherent emotions, we can tap into a deeper well of justice that transcends preconceived notions and biases. Furthermore, by incorporating the philosophy of moral imagination, we can broaden our perspective and promote a more empathetic and inclusive approach to justice. Lawrence's quote encourages us to embark on a journey of self-reflection and exploration, ultimately guiding us towards a more profound understanding of justice and our place within it.