The Cry for Justice: An Anthology of the Literature of Social Protest / The writings of philosophers, poets, novelists, social reformers, and others who have voiced the struggle against social injustice; selected from twenty-five languages; covering a period of five thousand years

by Unknown

Concerning Justice

(Ancient Hindu Proverb)

Justice is so dear to the heart of Nature, that if in the last day one atom of injustice were found, the universe would shrivel like a snake-skin to cast it off forever.

By Marcus Aurelius

(Roman emperor, A.D. 121-180)

In the whole constitution of man, I see not any virtue contrary to justice, whereby it may be resisted and opposed.

By Sadi

(Persian poet, A.D. 1200)

Take heed that he weep not; for the throne of the Almighty is shaken to and fro when the orphan sets a-crying. Beware of the groans of the wounded souls, since the hidden sore will at length break out; oppress not to the utmost a single heart, for a single sigh has power to overset a whole world.

(From “The Koran”)

(Bible of Mohammedanism; Arabic, A.D. 600)

Justice is an unassailable fortress, built on the brow of a mountain which cannot be overthrown by the violence of torrents, nor demolished by the force of armies.

“Do you desire,” said Abdallah, “to bring the praise of mankind upon your action? Then desire not unjustly, or even by your right, to grasp that which belongs to another.”

(Arabian proverb, Sixteenth Century)

The exercise of equity for one day is equal to sixty years spent in prayer.

By Nintoku

(Japanese emperor, Fourth Century)

If the people are poor, I am the poorest.