Poetry · Chapter
CCXVI explained
God creates a new virtue called Justice but withholds it from humanity, giving only its name.
What happens
God creates a new virtue called Justice but withholds it from humanity, giving only its name. Humanity then redefines Justice as Revenge, a virtue of their own making.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Revenge
The chapter directly contrasts divine Justice with human Revenge, showing how humanity corrupts the concept.
Deception and Self-Deception
Humanity deceives itself by naming its own vengeful creation 'Justice'.
Key passages
“Having given out all the virtues that He had made, God made another. “Give us that also,” said His children. “Nay,” He replied, “if I give you that you will slay one another till none is left. You shall have only its name, which is Justice.” “That is a good name,” they said; “we will give it to a virtue of our own creation.” So they gave it to Revenge.”
After distributing all virtues, God creates one more. Humanity asks for it, but God refuses, warning it would lead to mutual destruction. He offers only the name 'Justice.' Humanity accepts the name and applies it to their own invented virtue: Revenge.
The chapter is a brief allegorical fable about the origin of human justice as a mask for vengeance.