Consequence Quote by Maximilien Robespierre
“Terror is only justice: prompt, severe and inflexible; it is then an emanation of virtue; it is less a distinct principle than a natural consequence of the general principle of democracy, applied to the most pressing wants of the country.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Revolutionary Justice, 1794
He claims terror is a necessary, swift justice arising from democratic principles under crisis
In simple terms: Terror is harsh but seen as democratic virtue
Recognize the danger of extreme measures
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- war
- political upheaval
- state crisis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can justice be swift without terror?
- What alternatives exist?
Violence erodes moral legitimacy