Gallows Quote by Orson Scott Card
“Once you have the gallows, you'll find new reasons to hang people from it.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Ender’s Game, 1985
Powerful authority can be repurposed to justify new oppression.
In simple terms: Authority can be twisted for new control.
Key Takeaway
Beware of reusing power for harmful ends.
Themes
ethics
authority
control
Mood
cautionary
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- organizational hierarchy
- legal systems
Key Concepts
power dynamics
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- When is authority justified?
- How can societies prevent abuse of power?
A Different Perspective
Not all authority leads to oppression.
