As if one crime of such nature, done by a single man…
“As if one crime of such nature, done by a single man, acting individually, can be expiated by a similar crime done by all men, acting collectively.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A single act of wrongdoing cannot be justified by many similar acts performed together.
In simple terms: One crime isn’t cancelled by many.
Key Takeaway
Don’t excuse personal wrongdoing with collective blame.
Themes
justice
responsibility
ethics
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legal defense
- corporate misconduct
- political protest
- social movements
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
collective guilt
individual accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a group’s wrongdoing ever be morally acceptable?
- How does shared responsibility affect personal accountability?
A Different Perspective
Collective actions may still be illegal even if individuals feel justified.