Catholic church Quote by Hilary Mantel
““A lie is no less a lie because it is a thousand years old. Your undivided church has liked nothing better than persecuting its own members, burning them and hacking them apart when they stood by their own conscience, slashing their bellies open and feeding their guts to dogs.””
About This Quote
Historical oppression shows that institutions can perpetuate cruelty, using long-standing traditions to justify violence against dissenters.
In simple terms: Old institutions can still commit cruelty.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and protect conscience.
Themes
power
oppression
history
Mood
critical
somber
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- human rights
- historical analysis
- ethical critique
Key Concepts
institutional cruelty
religious persecution
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern institutions echo these abuses?
- How can individuals resist systemic cruelty?
A Different Perspective
Historical patterns may repeat without vigilance.
