"مسلماً، در هر صورت، نادانی متحد با قدرت، دشمن بی‌رحم‌ترین عدالت است."

Ignorance coupled with power creates a formidable adversary to justice. Why? Well, when someone who lacks knowledge holds power, they often make decisions out of fear or misinformation. They might oppress others, not realizing the harm they're causing, or they might cling to their own flawed beliefs with dangerous conviction.

Take a look back at history. Think about the Salem witch trials in the late 1600s. People in positions of authority, driven by a lack of understanding and a fervent belief in witchcraft, sentenced innocent people to death. Their ignorance, paired with their power, led to tragic injustices. They genuinely believed they were protecting their community from evil, but their knowledge was flawed, and their power was misused.

Now, let’s jump to a more contemporary example. Imagine a workplace where a manager, unaware of mental health issues, unfairly reprimands an employee for what they perceive as laziness. This manager has the power to influence this employee's career and well-being. Because the manager is ignorant of the employee's struggles with depression, their power becomes an instrument of injustice. The employee feels unsupported, misunderstood, and unjustly treated — a clear case of ignorance wielding power and creating injustice.

So, how can we apply this wisdom in our lives? First off, we need to educate ourselves. Knowledge is power, but it’s also a shield against misusing power. If you’re in a position of authority, make an effort to understand the people you oversee. Get to know their stories, their struggles, and the nuances of their lives. This doesn’t mean you have to be an expert on everything, but stay curious and empathetic.

Another piece of advice: question your assumptions. When you hold power over others — whether as a parent, a manager, or a community leader — take a moment to challenge your own beliefs and biases. Are you acting on complete information, or is there something you’re missing? This kind of self-reflection can prevent a lot of unintended harm.

Imagine you’re a teacher with a student who’s always late. Your first assumption might be that they’re lazy or disrespectful. But what if you took a step back, talked to them, and discovered they’re late because they have to take care of their younger siblings every morning? Your understanding changes, and so does your approach to the situation. Rather than punishing them, you might find ways to support them.

In your own life, think about the power dynamics you’re part of. Maybe you’re a team leader at work. How can you ensure that your decisions are informed and fair? Can you create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their situations, so you’re not making decisions in the dark?

In the end, it’s all about bridging that gap between ignorance and understanding. Power isn’t inherently bad — it’s how we use it that matters. And the best way to use it justly? Keep learning, stay empathetic, and always question your assumptions. It’s a continuous process, but it’s worth it. Because the real enemy of justice isn’t power or ignorance alone — it’s when they come together. And we have the ability to break that alliance with a little effort and a lot of heart.