Clemency Quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
“Clemency, which we make a virtue of, proceeds sometimes from vanity, sometimes from indolence, often from fear, and almost always from a mixture of all three.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Maximes, 1665
Clemency arises from vanity, laziness, fear, or a mix, making it a complex virtue.
In simple terms: Clemency stems from mixed motives, not pure goodness.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the varied motives behind mercy.
Themes
virtue
justice
human nature
motivation
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal judgments
- political decisions
- personal forgiveness
- leadership
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives true compassionate action?
- How can we ensure clemency is sincere?
A Different Perspective
May excuse harmful behavior if motives are misread.
![“The prospect that a person will be killed according to the policy he promulgates prompts the [priest] to urge clemency, an incomprehensible position logically.” quote by Helen Prejean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6b2/helen-prejean-19524_quote_the-prospect-that-a-person-will-be-kille_914082.jpg)
![“[Justice] demands seclusion, it permits sorrow rather than anger, and it prescribes the most careful abstention from all the nice pleasures of putting oneself in the limelight.” quote by Hannah Arendt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/359/hannah-arendt-610_anger_justice-demands-seclusion-it-permits-sor_2416781.jpg)
