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.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
He who allows oppression shares the crime.
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.
More from Desiderius Erasmus
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You'll see certain Pythagorean whose belief in communism of property goes to such lengths that they pick up anything lying about unguarded, and make off with it without a qualm of conscience as if it had come to them by law.
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[N]o party is any fun unless seasoned with folly.
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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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