Quote by Denis Diderot
If there is one realm in which it is essential to be sublime, it is in wickedness. You spit on a petty thief, but you can't deny a kind of respect for the great criminal.
Summary
This quote suggests that when it comes to being wicked, it is important to strive for greatness and exemplify sheer brilliance, rather than settling for mediocrity. While society may exhibit disdain for small-time criminals, it acknowledges a certain admiration or respect for those who commit grandiose and audacious acts of wrongdoing. The quote invites reflection on the paradoxical nature of human sentiments - condemning lesser wrongdoers while grudgingly acknowledging the artistry or audacity displayed by the more significant and infamous criminals.