QuoteProject
A court is an assembly of noble and distinguished beggars.
Charles Maurice De Talleyrand
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that courts, despite their prestigious image, are ultimately composed of individuals seeking benefits, often resembling beggars.

Charles Maurice De Talleyrand's quote reflects a cynical view of the judicial system, indicating that those who gather in courts, regardless of their titles and status, are fundamentally engaged in a form of pleading or seeking favors, much like beggars. This perspective prompts a contemplation of the nature of power and justice, suggesting that even the most revered institutions are driven by self-interest and the pursuit of advantage.

Themes

CourtJusticePowerSelf-InterestBeggars

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a legal philosophy class to provoke discussion about the nature of justice.

More from Charles Maurice De Talleyrand

Espresso is to Italy, what champagne is to France.
Charles Maurice De TalleyrandRead
If we go on explaining we shall cease to understand one another.
Charles Maurice De TalleyrandRead
I am more afraid of an army of 100 sheep led by a lion than an army of 100 lions led by a sheep.
Charles Maurice De TalleyrandRead
What clever man has ever needed to commit a crime? Crime is the last resort of political half-wits.
Charles Maurice De TalleyrandRead
An important art of politicians is to find new names for institutions which under old names have become odious to the public.
Charles Maurice De TalleyrandRead
Love of glory can only create a great hero; contempt of glory creates a great man.
Charles Maurice De TalleyrandRead

Similar quotes

They do not need the sun. Who needs the sun when the eyes glow? Darkness. A woolen fog has wrapped the earth, has dropped a heavy curtain. From far away, from beyond the curtain, comes the sound of drops falling on stone. Far, far away - the autumn, people, tomorrow. ("The North")
Yevgeny ZamyatinRead
Conflict, of course, comes about because of the misuse of power and the clash of ideals, not to mention the inflammatory activities of unscrupulous and bigoted leaders. But it also arises, tragically, from an inability to understand and from the powerful emotions which, out of misunderstanding, lead to distrust and fear.
Prince CharlesRead
The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge right or make good decision.
Alexander HamiltonRead
If we bear all this suffering and if there are still Jews left, when it is over, then Jews, instead of being doomed, will be held up as an example.
Anne FrankRead
How vainly men themselves amaze, / To win the palm, the oak, or bays; / And their incessant labours see / Crowned from some single herb or tree.
Andrew MarvellRead
A sound philosophy of life, I think, may be the most valuable asset for a psychiatrist to have when he is treating a patient.
Viktor E. FranklRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.