French revolution Quote by Hilary Mantel
““Collot is back from Lyon, did you know? He had finished his work, as he describes it. His path of righteousness is very clear and straight and broad. It’s so easy to be a good Jacobin. Collot hasn’t a doubt or scruple in his head— indeed, I doubt if he has much in it at all. Stop the Terror? He thinks we haven’t even begun.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel, 2009
A character boasts moral certainty while ignoring the complexities and moral costs of revolutionary zeal.
In simple terms: Self‑righteousness blinds one to deeper issues.
Key Takeaway
Question true motives behind proclaimed righteousness.
Themes
politics
morality
revolution
hypocrisy
Mood
critical
skeptical
reflective
Type
literary
political
historical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- historical analysis
- personal reflection
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
ethical absolutism
political propaganda
self‑deception
Questions to Reflect On
- What does true righteousness look like in practice?
- How can we recognize self‑deception in political rhetoric?
A Different Perspective
The quote may oversimplify historical nuance and ignore opposing perspectives.
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