Accomplish Quote by Honore de Balzac
“Despotism accomplishes great things illegally; liberty doesn't even go to the trouble of accomplishing small things legally.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Le Père Goriot, Honoré de Balzac, 1835
Despotism achieves grand illegal feats, while liberty struggles to accomplish modest legal acts.
In simple terms: Freedom often works slowly and modestly.
Key Takeaway
Value patient, lawful progress.
Themes
politics
freedom
law
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- reform
- activism
- policy making
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
civil liberties
Questions to Reflect On
- Can small legal victories build larger freedom?
- What risks do despotisms pose?
A Different Perspective
Legal change can be frustratingly slow.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
