Que les supplices des criminels soient utiles. Un homme pendu n'est bon a rien, et un homme condamne aux ouvrages publics sert encore la patrie, et est une lecon vivante.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Voltaire argues that punishment should benefit society rather than just destroy the criminal.
- In plain terms
- Executing criminals wastes potential; forcing them to work helps the country.
- What can you take from it?
- Punishment should aim to serve society rather than just retaliate.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Should punishment serve society?
- Is execution ever justified?
Another view
Some argue that severe punishment is needed for deterrence regardless of utility.
More from Voltaire
Je meurs en adorant Dieu, en aimant mes amis, en ne haissant pas mes ennemis et en detestant la superstition.
Permalink to quote #52 Laissez lire, et laissez danser; ces deux amusements ne feront jamais de mal au monde.
Permalink to quote #54 J'aime fort la verite, mais je n'aime point du tout le martyre.
Permalink to quote #51
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