I solemnly swear that I am up to no good

One Norwegian Alaskan in Madison.

Published Sunday, August 17, 2003 by Sarah | E-mail this post

I'm taking this personality test and they ask whether it is better to be just or merciful. And I'm not sure. So I went to the dictionary to start figuring out what I think is better.

Just: honorable and fair in one's dealings and actions; consistent with what is morally right; properly due or merited; valid within the law; suitable or proper in nature; fitting; based on fact or sound reason; well-founded...

Merciful: unwilling to give pain; compassionate; disposed to pity and spare offenders; unwilling to punish...

With that done it sounds like a choice of right vs. right, really. Hmm... Justice is important to uphold equality in a community; mercy seems like icing on the cake, in that it gives someone more than society thinks they deserve.

Anyway, I made my choice on the test and am forging on, but if you have any comments or arguments for one side or the other, let me know. ;-) I'm kinda curious what you think.