Chance Quote by Victor Hugo
“Slaves would be tyrants were the chance theirs.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Les Misérables, 1862
Power corrupts; those who are oppressed may become oppressors when given authority.
In simple terms: Oppressed can become tyrants if power is unchecked.
Key Takeaway
Guard against abuse of power.
Themes
politics
power dynamics
justice
Mood
cautionary
thought‑provoking
Type
literature
political
When to use this quote
- government policy
- leadership training
- social activism
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
social hierarchy
revenge
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards prevent power abuse?
- How can former victims lead ethically?
A Different Perspective
Power can be resisted by collective action.
![“They [slaves] have stabbed themselves for freedom-jumped into the waves for freedom-starved for freedom-fought like very tigers for freedom! But they have been hung, and burned, and shot-and their tyrants have been their historians!” quote by Lydia M. Child](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/57b/lydia-m-child-9261_burned_they-slaves-have-stabbed-themselves-for_1319174.jpg)
![“Slavery discourages arts and manufacturing ...[and] every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d36/george-mason-8435_art_slavery-discourages-arts-and-manufacturi_1412935.jpg)
