What is his religion? An excuse for hating ME. What is his law? An excuse for hanging YOU. What is his morality? Gentility! an excuse for consuming without producing. What is his art? An excuse for gloating over pictures of slaughter. What are his politics? Either the worship of a despot because a despot can kill, or parliamentary cockfighting.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author critiques religion, law, morality, art, and politics as excuses for negative behaviors like hatred, violence, and exploitation.
- In plain terms
- Religion and law are often used to justify hatred and punishment.
- What can you take from it?
- Institutions often hide harmful intentions behind noble concepts.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are all institutions inherently corrupt?
- How do we distinguish genuine morality from hypocrisy?
Another view
The quote presents a universally negative view that ignores positive contributions of these institutions.
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