Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
It is reasonable for a people, after long oppression, to demand swift retribution for past injustices.
In plain terms
People may seek quick vengeance after years of suffering.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the desire for justice after prolonged wrongs.

Where it applies

  • post‑conflict societies
  • social movements

Putting it to work

  • address grievances early
  • offer restorative processes

Questions to consider

  • What alternatives to vengeance exist?
  • How can societies heal without retaliation?

Another view

Vengeance can perpetuate cycles of violence.

More from Maximilien Robespierre

  1. When work is a pleasure, life is a joy! When work is a duty, life is slavery.

    Permalink to quote #12
  2. The general will rules in society as the private will governs each separate individual.

    Permalink to quote #14
  3. Omelettes are not made without breaking eggs.

    Permalink to quote #11

Related quotes

  1. Having fought most of my life against apartheid - and of course my parents were imprisoned during the struggle - I am thrilled by the way South Africa has deve…

    Peter HainPeter Hain quote #1
  2. There is an imperialism that deserves all honor and respect - an imperialism of service in the discharge of great duties. But with too many it is the sense of …

    Leonard H. CourtneyLeonard H. Courtney quote #1
  3. Before 1938, the German generals were not opposed to Hitler because he produced the results they desired.

    Werner von BlombergWerner von Blomberg quote #1