Capital punishment Quote by Lewis E. Lawes
““Since time began man has been struggling with the problem of behavior. In early days, when almost every human attribute had its counterpart in celestial spheres, with favorite gods who presided over particular human emotions, an offense by a mortal was interpreted as an affront to the Deity. Only the death of the offender could propitiate the anger of the offended god. It is not surprising, therefore, that a parallel has been drawn between the ancient custom of human sacrifice and capital punishment of today. Human sacrifices by way of propitiation to the old nebulous fancies of theology; capital punishment in deference to the modern, nebulous god known as public sentiment. One was, of course, as impotent as the other is fallacious.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Death Penalty and Human Sacrifice, 1930s
The author draws a parallel between ancient human sacrifice and modern capital punishment, both serving as appeasement to a higher authority—gods then, public sentiment now.
In simple terms: Both systems act as appeasement through killing.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how societal fears shape punitive measures.
Themes
justice
violence
history
religion
morality
Mood
critical
reflective
skeptical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- courtrooms
- political debates
- religious ceremonies
- media commentary
- policy making
Key Concepts
social control
ritual sacrifice
state power
Questions to Reflect On
- How do contemporary societies justify capital punishment?
- What alternatives exist to appease collective fear without violence?
A Different Perspective
Modern legal systems may lack the mythic justification of ancient rites, complicating moral consensus.
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![“The law which attempts a man's life [capital punishment] is impractical, unjust, inadmissible. It has never repressed crime--for a second crime is every day committed at the foot of the scaffold.” quote by Marquis de Sade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b85/marquis-de-sade-1964_capital-punishment_the-law-which-attempts-a-man-s-life-capi_99486.jpg)
