All government is cruel; for nothing is so cruel as impunity.

Summary

This quote suggests that all forms of government have a tendency to be cruel, primarily because those in positions of power often exercise their authority without fear of consequence. The cruelty stems from their ability to act without being held accountable for their actions, leading to an abuse of power. The quote posits that the absence of punishment or repercussions encourages and allows for acts of cruelty to take place, emphasizing the importance of an accountable and just governance system to prevent such cruelty.

Topics