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Quote by Bryan Stevenson

“We are all implicated when we allow other people to be mistreated. An absence of compassion can corrupt the decency of a community, a state, a nation. Fear and anger can make us vindictive and abusive, unjust and unfair, until we all suffer from the absence of mercy and we condemn ourselves as much as we victimize others. The closer we get to mass incarceration and extreme levels of punishment, the more I believe it's necessary to recognize that we all need mercy, we all need justice, and-perhaps-we all need some measure of unmerited grace.”

Author

Bryan Stevenson

Bryan Stevenson is an American lawyer, educator, and social activist known for his contributions to criminal justice reform and the defense of the rights of the poor. Born on November 14, 1959, Stevenson is a professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Law. more

“There is a strength, a power even, in understanding brokenness, because embracing our brokenness creates a need and desire for mercy, and perhaps a corresponding need to show mercy. When you experience mercy, you learn things that are hard to learn otherwise. You see things you can't otherwise see; you hear things you can't otherwise hear. You begin to recognize the humanity that resides in each of us.”

Needs Hard Shows Desire Humanity Understanding Mercy Show Me Brokenness Corresponding Things That Are Hard

Book:Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption

Source: Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption

“All of our survival is tied to the survival of everyone.”

Survival Tied

Author:Bryan Stevenson

“The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned.”

Character Poor Treats Accused

Book:Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption

Source: Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption

“I've come to understand and to believe that each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done. I believe that for every person on the planet. I think if somebody tells a lie, they're not just a liar. I think if somebody takes something that doesn't belong to them, they're not just a thief. I think even if you kill someone, you're not just a killer. And because of that, there's this basic human dignity that must be respected by law.”