Celine Quote by Robert Anton Wilson
“MR. KHARIS: 'Does Mr. Celine seriously suggest that the United States Government is in need of a guardian?' MR. CELINE: 'I am merely offering a way out for your client. Any private individual with a record of such incessant murder and robbery would be glad to cop an insanity plea. Do you insist that your client was in full possession of its reason at Wounded Knee? At Hiroshima? At Dresden?' JUSTICE IMMHOTEP: 'You become facetious, Mr. Celine.' MR. CELINE: 'I have never been more serious.”
About This Quote
The dialogue critiques legal manipulation and moral hypocrisy, questioning the seriousness of a defense strategy that exploits insanity pleas.
In simple terms: Legal tactics can be absurd and immoral.
Question ethical implications of legal loopholes.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- courtroom drama
- policy analysis
- ethical debates
- media critique
- historical reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What reforms could prevent such abuses?
- How does public perception shape legal ethics?
Legal systems may resist change despite critique.