Daily bread Quote by Eduardo Galeano
““the inquisitors of yesteryear knew only too well, as do the country snatchers of today: torture is useless for protecting people. It is only good for terrorizing them. The bureaucracy of pain tortures in order to perpetuate the power of the powers it serves. A confession extracted by torture is worth little or nothing. But in the torture chamber the powerful do drop their masks. By torturing, they confess that fear is their daily bread.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of Embraces by Eduardo Galeano, 1989
Torture fails to protect; it only spreads terror and reveals the torturers’ own fear.
In simple terms: Torture doesn’t protect, it spreads fear.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and reject cruelty as a tool of power.
Themes
human rights
political power
fear
justice
Mood
angry
critical
reflective
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- law enforcement reform
- human rights advocacy
- education on torture
- policy making
Key Concepts
state violence
psychology of oppression
ethical governance
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fear drive those who wield power?
- What alternatives can replace coercive methods?
A Different Perspective
Torture may sometimes be rationalized as necessary for security.
![“This letter [to the Romans] is truly the most important piece in the New Testament. It is purest Gospel. It is well worth a Christian's while not only to memorize it word for word but also to occupy himself with it daily, as though it were the daily bread of the soul. It is impossible to read or…” quote by Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5a6/martin-luther-106_bible_this-letter-to-the-romans-is-truly-the-m_153943.jpg)
