To punish the oppressors of humanity is clemency; to forgive them is cruelty.
Meaning of the quote
The quote suggests that being kind to those who hurt others is actually a cruel thing to do. Instead, the right thing is to punish those who oppress and harm people. This is because letting the oppressors go without punishment is not merciful, but rather an act of cruelty that allows them to continue hurting others.
About Maximilien Robespierre
Maximilien Robespierre was a prominent figure during the French Revolution, known for his radical views and his role in the Committee of Public Safety. He advocated for progressive causes like voting rights and the abolition of slavery, but his legacy is also tied to the politically-motivated violence of the Montagnards. His life and legacy continue to be a subject of intense debate and controversy.
More quotes from Maximilien Robespierre
To punish the oppressors of humanity is clemency; to forgive them is cruelty.
French revolutionary lawyer and politician (1758-1794)
Terror is only justice: prompt, severe and inflexible; it is then an emanation of virtue; it is less a distinct principle than a natural consequence of the general principle of democracy, applied to the most pressing wants of the country.
French revolutionary lawyer and politician (1758-1794)
Atheism is aristocratic; the idea of a great Being that watches over oppressed innocence and punishes triumphant crime is altogether popular.
French revolutionary lawyer and politician (1758-1794)
Pity is treason.
French revolutionary lawyer and politician (1758-1794)
The secret of freedom lies in educating people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant.
French revolutionary lawyer and politician (1758-1794)
Crime butchers innocence to secure a throne, and innocence struggles with all its might against the attempts of crime.
French revolutionary lawyer and politician (1758-1794)
The general will rules in society as the private will governs each separate individual.
French revolutionary lawyer and politician (1758-1794)
Any law which violates the inalienable rights of man is essentially unjust and tyrannical; it is not a law at all.
French revolutionary lawyer and politician (1758-1794)
Again, it may be said, that to love justice and equality the people need no great effort of virtue; it is sufficient that they love themselves.
French revolutionary lawyer and politician (1758-1794)
The king must die so that the country can live.
French revolutionary lawyer and politician (1758-1794)
Any institution which does not suppose the people good, and the magistrate corruptible, is evil.
French revolutionary lawyer and politician (1758-1794)