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He who allows oppression shares the crime.
Desiderius Erasmus
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes that complicity in oppression is itself a moral failing.

Desiderius Erasmus points out the moral responsibility of individuals when witnessing oppression. By allowing oppressive actions, one becomes an accomplice, suggesting that silence and inaction in the face of injustice are as culpable as the act of oppression itself. This serves as a call to action for individuals to stand up against injustice rather than remain passive observers.

Themes

OppressionCrimeResponsibilityJusticeAction

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech advocating for social justice.

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The entire world is my temple, and a very fine one too, if I'm not mistaken, and I'll never lack priests to serve it as long as there are men.
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If you look at history you'll find that no state has been so plagued by its rulers as when power has fallen into the hands of some dabbler in philosophy or literary addict.
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Fortune favours the audacious.
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