---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is ugly to be punishable, but there is…"
description: "\"“It is ugly to be punishable, but there is no glory in punishing.”\" — Michael Foucault"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/16a/michael-foucault-96169_quote_it-is-ugly-to-be-punishable-but-there-is_2029045.jpg"
---

#  It is ugly to be punishable, but there is no glory in…

![“It is ugly to be punishable, but there is no glory in punishing.” quote by Michael Foucault](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/16a/michael-foucault-96169_quote_it-is-ugly-to-be-punishable-but-there-is_2029045.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/16a/michael-foucault-96169_quote_it-is-ugly-to-be-punishable-but-there-is_2029045.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/16a/michael-foucault-96169_quote_it-is-ugly-to-be-punishable-but-there-is_2029045.jpg)

> ““It is ugly to be punishable, but there is no glory in punishing.””

Michael Foucault

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Punishment may be ugly, but inflicting punishment lacks honor.

**In simple terms:** Punishment is not glorious

Key Takeaway

Avoid punitive glory

Themes

ethics punishment glory morality

Mood

reflective serious

Type

Punishing:1 Punishable:1 Glory Punishing:1 Ugly Punishable:1 Punishable Glory:1

When to use this quote

- legal reform
- conflict resolution
- leadership training

Key Concepts

philosophy social justice

Questions to Reflect On

- Is all punishment inherently ugly?
- When, punishment be justified?

A Different Perspective

Complex systems are be necessary for justice.

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## More by Michael Foucault

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Browse all 116 Punishing quotes

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