The punishment that aims to intimidate an unknown murderer certainly confers a vocation of killer on many another monster about whom there is no doubt.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Harsh punishments meant to deter crime may actually encourage more violence by glorifying killing.
- In plain terms
- Severe punishment can teach others to become killers too.
- What can you take from it?
- Punishment methods should avoid modeling the behavior they condemn.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does punishment model the crime?
- What alternatives exist?
Another view
Some argue strong deterrence is necessary regardless of side effects.
More from Albert Camus
The philosopher, even if he is Kant, is a creator.
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Permalink to quote #212 The nineteenth and twentieth centuries, in their most profound manifestations, are centuries that have tried to live without transcendence.
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