Liberty and justice Quote by Eric Hobsbawm
““In their way the brigands, dressed in torn peasant costume with Bourbon rosettes, or in more gorgeous apparel, were avengers and champions of the people. If their way was a blind alley, let us not deny them the longing for liberty and justice which moved them.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Age of Revolution by Eric Hobsbawm, 1962
People may turn to outlaw groups when legal avenues fail, seeing them as defenders of liberty and justice.
In simple terms: Outlaws can be seen as freedom fighters when institutions fail.
Key Takeaway
Recognize root causes of rebellion.
Themes
politics
justice
rebellion
social movements
Mood
defiant
hopeful
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- rural unrest
- political oppression
- colonial resistance
Key Concepts
class struggle
legitimacy
popular sovereignty
Questions to Reflect On
- What grievances drive people to become outlaws?
- Can violent resistance ever be justified?
A Different Perspective
Not all brigands act altruistically; motives may be self‑interest.
![“He[Napoleon] had destroyed only one thing: the Jacobin Revolution, the dream of equality, liberty and fraternity, and of the people rising in its majesty to shake off oppression. It was a more powerful myth than his, for after his fall it was this, and not his memory, which inspired the…” quote by Eric Hobsbawm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dfd/eric-hobsbawm-20660_century_he-napoleon-had-destroyed-only-one-thing_1313226.jpg)
