Give me six lines written by the most honorable of men, and I will find an excuse in them to hang him.
Meaning of the quote
This quote suggests that even the most respected and honest people can be made to look bad if someone is determined to find fault in their words. Cardinal Richelieu, a powerful French clergyman, was saying that he could take just a few sentences written by an upstanding individual and twist them to make that person seem guilty of something, even if they had done nothing wrong. The message is that anyone can be targeted and made to appear untrustworthy, no matter how good their character may be.
About Cardinal Richelieu
Cardinal Richelieu was a powerful French Catholic prelate and statesman who played a key role in shaping 17th-century France. He sought to consolidate royal power, suppress Huguenot rebellions, and position France as a dominant force in the Thirty Years’ War, all while being a renowned patron of the arts and education.
More quotes from Cardinal Richelieu
War is one of the scourges with which it has pleased God to afflict men.
French clergyman, cardinal, noble and statesman (1585-1642)
If you give me six lines written by the hand of the most honest of men, I will find something in them which will hang him.
French clergyman, cardinal, noble and statesman (1585-1642)
Carry on any enterprise as if all future success depended on it.
French clergyman, cardinal, noble and statesman (1585-1642)
Give me six lines written by the most honorable of men, and I will find an excuse in them to hang him.
French clergyman, cardinal, noble and statesman (1585-1642)
Secrecy is the first essential in affairs of state.
French clergyman, cardinal, noble and statesman (1585-1642)
I was excellent. Everybody loved me. I love myself, and I like bums.
French clergyman, cardinal, noble and statesman (1585-1642)