Just Mercy: Powerful Quotes with Page Numbers (US Edition)
Bryan Stevenson's Just Mercy is a deeply moving and impactful memoir. Its power comes not just from the stories it tells, but from the resonant language used to convey them. Pinpointing the exact page number can vary slightly depending on the edition, but this list provides approximate locations for key quotes in the commonly available US edition. Always check your specific edition for precise page numbers.
Note: Page numbers cited below are approximate and may differ depending on the edition of the book. It's best to use these as a starting point and search within a few pages of the number provided.
On the Injustice System and Systemic Racism:
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"The opposite of poverty is not wealth; the opposite of poverty is justice." (Approximate Page: Introduction or early chapters - the exact page varies widely based on edition) This quote is a powerful summary of Stevenson's central argument. The injustice inherent in poverty is a repeated theme.
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"We will not be free until we are all free." (Approximate Page: Late chapters, possibly near the conclusion) This quote underlines the interconnectedness of struggles for justice and the idea that freedom for some necessitates freedom for all.
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"The system was designed to dehumanize, and it succeeded." (Approximate Page: Within the accounts of specific cases, likely towards the middle or later sections of the book). This speaks to the dehumanizing effects of mass incarceration, particularly on those wrongly convicted or disproportionately affected by systemic biases.
On Hope and Perseverance:
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"Hope and forgiveness were not just luxuries, they were powerful tools that could help me move through the dark spaces in my life." (Approximate Page: A reflective section, likely in the middle or later parts of the book). This quote highlights Stevenson's own personal journey and his perspective on facing overwhelming adversity.
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"Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done." (Approximate Page: Likely scattered throughout the book, within discussions of individual cases and the need for restorative justice). This is a core tenet of Stevenson's philosophy and is evident in his approach to working with incarcerated individuals.
On the Importance of Empathy and Understanding:
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"Mercy is the best choice we can make in a world where everyone else is choosing the worst." (Approximate Page: Likely towards the conclusion of the book; a concise yet profound statement of Stevenson's position). It speaks to the rarity and necessity of mercy.
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"[A quote regarding the profound impact of a specific case or client story]" (Page number will vary greatly depending on the specific anecdote you are looking for). Just Mercy is full of powerful stories. Search for a quote that resonates with you within the appropriate sections detailing individual cases.
How to find specific quotes:
Due to the variability in page numbers across different editions of Just Mercy, using the “search” function within your ebook reader or a physical book's index will be the most reliable method for finding a specific quote and confirming its page number. You can use keywords from the quote above to assist in this search.
This list provides a starting point for exploring the powerful quotes within Just Mercy. The book itself is a treasure trove of insightful and inspiring passages reflecting on the criminal justice system and the importance of empathy, hope, and justice.
