distinction

[jiang]

Dear teachers,

Could you please explain the meaning of the following sentence:

The other was acting wholly on distinctions.

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.

Jiang

 

[billmcd]

My inference would be that one of two persons or organizations was making choices based upon differences between two or among more than two entities.

 

[bhaisahab]

Dear teachers,

Could you please explain the meaning of the following sentence:

The other was acting wholly on distinctions.

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.

Jiang

Context would be a great help.

 

[jiang]

Dear bhaisahab,

The context is as follows:

For as long as that man could last, they went at each other, nature and man; the one making no distinctions of good and evil, acting on no principles, offering no lifelines; the other acting wholly on distinctions, principles and perhaps, on faith.

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.

Jiang

Context would be a great help.

 

[bhaisahab]

Dear bhaisahab,

The context is as follows:

For as long as that man could last, they went at each other, nature and man; the one making no distinctions of good and evil, acting on no principles, offering no lifelines; the other acting wholly on distinctions, principles and perhaps, on faith.

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.

Jiang

This is a conflict between man and nature. Nature doesn't distinguish between good and evil, it has no principles, whereas the man makes the distinction and acts accordingly.