"Social justice cannot be attained by violence. Violence kills what it intends to create"
- Pope John Paul II
About this Quote
Pope John Paul II's quote talks to the futility of violence as a method of attaining social justice. He suggests that violence is counter-productive, as it damages the extremely thing it is trying to produce. This is due to the fact that violence creates worry and mistrust, which can cause further violence and a cycle of destruction. It also develops a power imbalance, which can result in oppression and inequality. In contrast, social justice can just be attained through serene ways, such as discussion, settlement, and compromise. This permits a more equitable and simply society, where everyone is appreciated and treated fairly. Eventually, Pope John Paul II's quote functions as a suggestion that violence is not the response to achieving social justice, which peaceful means are the only method to produce a more simply and fair society.
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