Crime Quote by Peter Kropotkin
““The prison population consists of heterogeneous elements; but, taking only those who are usually described as 'the criminals' proper, and of whom we have heard so much lately from Lombroso and his followers, what struck me most as regards them was that the prisons, which are considered as preventive of anti-social deeds, are exactly the institutions for breeding them. Every one knows that absence of education, dislike of regular work, physical incapability of sustained effort, misdirected love of adventure, gambling propensities, absence of energy, an untrained will, and carelessness about the happiness of others are the causes which bring this class of people before the courts. Now I was deeply impressed during my imprisonment by the fact that it is exactly these defects of human nature--each one of them--which the prison breeds in its inmates; and it is bound to breed them because it is a prison, and will breed them so long as it exists. ””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Conquest of Bread, 1892
Prisons reinforce criminal behavior by fostering the very traits they claim to prevent, such as lack of education, work, and self‑discipline.
In simple terms: Prisons create the problems they claim to solve.
Reform prisons to focus on education and rehabilitation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- prison reform
- education programs
- community support
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance safety with humane treatment?
- What alternatives reduce recidivism?
Prisons also provide safety and order for society, complicating reform.