These persons would shout as much if you and I were going to be hanged.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Cromwell notes that hypocritical crowds would cheer even if they were the ones facing execution.
- In plain terms
- He says the same people who shout now would cheer if you and he were being put to death.
- What can you take from it?
- Be wary of public opinion that lacks consistency or genuine principle.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How reliable is public opinion?
- When does crowd behavior become dangerous?
Another view
This view can lead to cynicism and disengagement from civic life.
More from Oliver Cromwell
This is a righteous judgement of God upon these barbarous wretches, who have imbrued their hands in so much innocent blood.
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