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About this quote

What does it mean?
In a revolution, the government becomes a form of liberty that oppresses tyranny, a paradox of freedom versus control.
In plain terms
Revolutionary rule can become a new oppression.
What can you take from it?
Guard against authoritarianism in liberated societies.

Where it applies

  • building post‑revolution institutions
  • studying democratic transitions

Putting it to work

  • establish checks and balances
  • promote civic participation

Questions to consider

  • What safeguards prevent new oppression?
  • How can liberty be sustained?

Another view

Revolutions often replace one tyranny with another.

More from Maximilien Robespierre

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  3. Any institution which does not suppose the people good, and the magistrate corruptible, is evil.

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