Justice vs Mercy

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“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” Spock, Wrath of Khan. Justice is unbiased and fair, and governed by the cosmos, whereas mercy is weak and intangible, and is governed by man. No man is perfect, so how can he create something that is? It is impossible, and it is for that reason that justice should always prevail over mercy. In William Shakespeare’s play King Lear, one may easily examine the balance between mercy and justice, and what truly should prevail. Within the play, one should note that justice does not judge, that those who are unjust must be brought to light in order for the cosmos to align, and that mercy will not stop bad people from doing bad things. Justice is the predominant factor compared to mercy, and it allows for everyone to live a better life. Being judged for your actions can be humiliating, even degrading to some. The concept of being brought to justice must be understood as a separate entity than judging; justice does not look down on you, it simply follows through with a formula to keep the equilibrium in place. In Act IV of King Lear, Gloucester truly believes he has done terrible things by his son, and feels as though he should no longer go on living. The fates knew that he was not to blame for his actions, as he was being persuaded by another. One may believe that fate intervened in his attempted suicide, when his more caring son simply tricked him into thinking he was at the top of the cliff. He yells to the heavens “To quarrel with your great opposeless wills, / My snuff and loathed part of nature should / Burn itself out. If Edgar live, O bless him! / Now, fellow, fare thee well.” [IV vi 38-41] He claims himself to be killed in the name of justice, however the cosmos know better than a man what is right and wrong. They keep him alive, for a greater purpose. Justice did not judge him for his lack of

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