Quotes from William Irwin

justice hath no meaning lest it be tempered with mercy."26

The computer-simulated dreamworld of the Matrix trilogy is a technological version of Descartes's evil demon. In essence it represents the idea of a mind (the Architect) more powerful than our own that is intent on deceiving us whenever, and however, it sees fit.

two of the most fascinating yet troublesome topics in moral philosophy—forgiveness and redemption—issues that must be dealt with together. Without forgiveness there can be no redemption, and forgiveness that does not grant redemption is hollow.

Usually we think a person is obligated to do something that would benefit many people, but what if that "something" is committing murder? Which is more important, doing good—or not doing wrong?

Luckily, literature—and by "literature" I mean comic books—provides us a way to discuss issues like these without having to experience them. We don't have to trick people into standing in front of a runaway trolley, and we don't have to have a real-life Batman and Joker. That's what thought experiments are for—they let us play through an imaginary scenario and imagine what we should or shouldn't do.

Superman's cosmopolitan decision could be interpreted simply as DC Comics attempting to appeal to the global market for Superman stuff. Less cynically, though, one blogger said, "It's refreshing to see an alien refugee tell the United States that it's as important to him as any other country on Earth—which, in turn, is as important to Superman as any other planet in the multiverse.

Honor Is Like the Hawk . . . For my own part, regret nothing. Have lived life, free from compromise . . . and step into the shadow now without complaint. —Rorschach's journal

Rorschach did not seek death; he didn't commit suicide by Manhattan. But he understood what the others did not. "It is better to sacrifice life than to forfeit morality. It is not necessary to live, but it is necessary that, so long as we live, we do so honourably."18

a famous quote by Nietzsche, "Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster.

Atrocitus: You believe fear to be the most powerful force in the universe? Fear is inaction. Fear is hiding away. Fear is cowering and begging. Rage is action. Rage is spilling blood. Sinestro: Rage is uncontrollable.

We all exist in a state of doubt even when we do not realize it.

the word "avatar" comes from the Sanskrit noun avat?ra derived from a verbal root that means to "cross over". Jake's avatar is what enables him to "cross over" from the mortal world to the sublime universe of Pandora

In Avatar Jake embarks on a journey of self-discovery and self-realization, advancing along a path that can map out with the aid of these seven main energy center chakras.

One of the aims of Tantra is to recognize the divine perfection of the world by seeing it as a mandala "a celestial mansion.

Jake Sully went from being a self-centered individual, only concerned with regaining the use of his legs, to being the defender of an entire world.

See the world we come from. There's no green there. They killed their mother and they're gonna do the same here....I will stand and fight. You know I will. But I need a little help here.

Facts and logical arguments no longer matter; people decide what to believe based on tribal alliances, on what they want to believe, or what they feel is true.

Although the truth exists objectively and independently of us, we can never be absolutely certain we grasp it.

Alice's message for today—in Wonderland and the world at large—is that young women can do anything they like.

Red is not in the apple but in the perception.

As Rorschach so poetically put it, "This rudderless world is not shaped by vague metaphysical forces. It is not god who kills the children. Not fate that butchers them or destiny that feeds them to the dogs. It's us. Only us."12

when I see an author on this week's talk show promoting his Secret to Happiness, I can't help wondering what happened to last week's Secret on the same show.

People who fight for a country just because they are paid to do so are mercenaries, and they have no problem switching sides if it serves their interests (Lex Luthor is a classic example).