Quotes from Maximilien Robespierre

Terror is only justice: prompt, severe and inflexible; it is then an emanation of virtue; it is less a distinct principle than a natural consequence of the general principle of democracy, applied to the most pressing wants of the country.

Any institution which does not suppose the people good, and the magistrate corruptible, is evil.

When a Banker jumps out of a window, jump after him - that's where the money is.

The aim of constitutional government is to preserve the Republic; that of revolutionary government is to lay its foundation.

To punish the oppressors of humanity is clemency; to forgive them is cruelty.

Atheism is aristocratic; the idea of a great Being that watches over oppressed innocence and punishes triumphant crime is altogether popular.

The secret of freedom lies in educating people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant.

Again, it may be said, that to love justice and equality the people need no great effort of virtue; it is sufficient that they love themselves.

No one loves armed missionaries; the first lesson of nature and prudence is to repulse them as enemies.

Citizens, did you want a revolution without revolution?

The general will rules in society as the private will governs each separate individual.

The revolution is the war of liberty against its enemies. The constitution is the rule of liberty against its enemies. The constitution is the rule of liberty when victorious and peaceable.

One can...never create [freedom] by an invading force.

Crime butchers innocence to secure a throne, and innocence struggles with all its might against the attempts of crime.

Any law which violates the inalienable rights of man is essentially unjust and tyrannical; it is not a law at all.

The king must die so that the country can live.

By sealing our work with our blood, we may see at least the bright dawn of universal happiness.

The secret of freedom lies in educating people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant.

Again, it may be said, that to love justice and equality the people need no great effort of virtue it is sufficient that they love themselves.

Death is the beginning of immortality.

Terror is nothing other than prompt, stern, inflexible justice; terror thus issues from virtue; it is less a particular maxim than a consequence of the general principle of democracy applied to the most pressing needs of the fatherland.

The revolutionary government is the despotism of liberty against tyranny.