Chapter 05
The Judge and the Lovers
From the first circle I descended thus Down to the second, which, a lesser space Embracing, so much more of grief contains Provoking bitter moans. There, Minos stands Grinning with ghastly feature: he, of all Who enter, strict examining the crimes, Gives sentence, and dismisses them beneath, According as he foldeth him around: For when before him comes th’ ill fated soul, It all confesses; and that judge severe Of sins, considering what place in hell Suits the transgression, with his tail so oft Himself encircles, as degrees beneath He dooms it to descend. Before him stand Always a num’rous…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Decode Your Own Justifications
Think of a recent decision you made that you had to talk yourself into - maybe staying up too late, buying something expensive, avoiding a difficult conversation, or eating something unhealthy. Write down exactly how you justified it to yourself. Then rewrite that same situation as advice you'd give to a friend facing the same choice.
Consider:
- •Notice the language you used - did you focus on feelings or consequences?
- •Compare how differently you think about your own choices versus advising others
- •Look for patterns in how you typically justify questionable decisions
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you used a beautiful idea or principle to justify something that ended up hurting someone else. How did you recognise the pattern, and what would you do differently now?
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