People crushed by law have no hopes but from power. If laws are their enemies, they will be enemies to laws.
Thomas Babington MacaulayRead
To punish a man because we infer from the nature of some doctrine which he holds, or from the conduct of other persons who hold the same doctrines with him, that he will commit a crime, is persecution, and is, in every case, foolish and wicked.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Punishing someone based on assumptions about their beliefs or the actions of others is unjust and immoral.
This quote highlights the dangers of guilt by association and the fallacy of assuming that a person's beliefs will lead them to commit wrongful acts. Macaulay warns that such persecution not only undermines justice but also reveals a foolishness in our reasoning, suggesting we should judge individuals based on their actions rather than their affiliations or doctrines.
Themes
PersecutionDoctrineBeliefsJusticeMorality
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on freedom of speech, one might reference this quote to emphasize the importance of understanding individual beliefs without prejudice.
More from Thomas Babington Macaulay
All quotes →There is only one cure for the evils which newly acquired freedom produces, and that cure is freedom.
Thomas Babington MacaulayRead
Such night in England ne'er had been, nor ne'er again shall be.
Thomas Babington MacaulayRead
The highest proof of virtue is to possess boundless power without abusing it.
Thomas Babington MacaulayRead
That is the best government which desires to make the people happy, and knows how to make them happy.
Thomas Babington MacaulayRead
Similar quotes
Do you remember any instance where tyranny was destroyed and freedom established on its ruins, among a people possessing so small a share of virtue and public spirit? I recollect none, and this more than the British arms makes me fearful of final success, without a reform.
Patrick HenryRead
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be.
George WashingtonRead
The word of God hidden in the heart is a stubborn voice to suppress.
Billy GrahamRead
Facebook seems to think that it would be liberating if everyone's News Feed could be personalized so that people see only and exactly what they want. Don't believe it. That's a prison.
Cass SunsteinRead
For to accuse requires less eloquence, such is man's nature, than to excuse; and condemnation, than absolution, more resembles justice.
Thomas HobbesRead
It is not the most distinguished achievements that men's virtues or vices may be best discovered; but very often an action of small note. An casual remark or joke shall distinguish a person's real character more than the greatest sieges, or the most important battles.
PlutarchRead