The scapegoat has always had the mysterious power of unleashing man's ferocious pleasure in torturing, corrupting, and befouling.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the dark human tendency to project guilt and blame onto others, deriving pleasure from their suffering.
Francois Mauriacβs quote addresses the unsettling psychological phenomenon of scapegoating, where individuals or groups deflect their own guilt and issues onto others. This action not only highlights a moral failing but also reveals a disturbing aspect of human nature, as many find a sense of satisfaction in the mistreatment of those they perceive as guilty or responsible for societal ills. The scapegoat embodies the complexities of human relationships and the capacity for cruelty inherent within us all.
In practice
In a speech about social justice, one could use the quote to highlight the dangers of scapegoating marginalized communities.
The man who partakes in the breaking of the bread dares to build his house on the very core of love. He becomes, as it were, Godlike, but regardless of the strength he derives from it, his free will remains. We are always free to disown this immense grace, to abuse it. The Greatest Love may be betrayed. Fed on the Living Bread, we nevertheless conceal a part of ourselves which longs for swine's food.
That is the mystery of grace: it never comes too late.
Human love is often but the encounter of two weaknesses.
No love, no friendship, can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever.
To love someone is to see a miracle invisible to others.
Where does discipline end? Where does cruelty begin? Somewhere between these, thousands of children inhabit a voiceless hell.
The years like great black oxen tread the world, and God, the herdsman goads them on behind, and I am broken by their passing feet.
We wait. We are bored. (He throws up his hand.) No, don't protest, we are bored to death, there's no denying it. Good. A diversion comes along and what do we do? We let it go to waste. Come, let's get to work! (He advances towards the heap, stops in his stride.) In an instant all will vanish and we'll be alone more, in the midst of nothingness!
Sometimes I used to think that one day i should wake up, and all that had been would be over. forgotten, sunk, drowned. Nothing was sure - not even memory.
I always felt the true test of a man's character is how he treats people he can't use.
Life is an aspiration. Its mission is to strive after perfection, which is self-realization. The ideal must not be lowered because of our weaknesses or imperfections.
I'm an atheist, and that's it. I believe there's nothing we can know except that we should be kind to each other and do what we can for people.
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