There are crimes which become innocent and even glorious through their splendor, number and excess.

What did François de La Rochefoucauld mean by:

There are crimes which become innocent and even glorious through their splendor, number and excess.

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This quote suggests that certain actions, which might be deemed criminal or immoral under ordinary circumstances, can be perceived as innocent or even glorious when they are carried out on a grand scale, with a certain amount of audacity, and to an extreme degree. This is not to say that the actions themselves become less harmful or destructive, but rather that people’s perceptions of these actions can change based on the scale and audacity with which they are committed.

In essence, the quote is a commentary on the paradox of human morality and judgement. We tend to judge actions based on their immediate and apparent harm, but when these actions are amplified and become part of a larger narrative, we often lose sight of their inherent immorality. This is particularly true when these actions are committed with a certain level of charisma or panache, which can serve to distract from their underlying harm.

Applying this idea to today’s world, we can see this phenomenon in many areas of society. For example, in politics, leaders who commit harmful actions on a grand scale often manage to retain their popularity and even gain a certain level of reverence. This is because their actions, though harmful, are often seen as part of a larger narrative of power and control, and are carried out with a level of audacity that can be mistaken for strength or courage.

In terms of personal development, this quote serves as a reminder to be critical of our own actions and the actions of others. Just because an action is committed on a grand scale, with audacity, and to an extreme degree, does not make it moral or acceptable. We must strive to maintain our moral compass, even in the face of societal pressure to conform to larger narratives of power and control.

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