“It is better to leave the guilty unpunished than to condemn the innocent.”
What this quote means
This maxim by Michel de L'Hospital, Chancellor of France, prioritizes the protection of the innocent over the punishment of the guilty. It acknowledges that human justice is imperfect and that judicial error is a greater evil than impunity. This wisdom resonates in our modern legal systems, where doubt must benefit the accused. It also reminds us, in daily life, to weigh our judgments and prefer leniency over harshness that might hurt an innocent person.
How to apply it daily
Before passing judgment on someone, take a moment to consider the possibility that you might be wrong. Choose kindness and reasonable doubt over hasty condemnation.
Continue
Related quotes
Same author or same theme — keep reading.
“The real price of everything, what everything really costs to the man who wants to acquire it, is the toil and trouble of acquiring it.”Create visual
“It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.”Create visual
“The propensity to truck, barter and exchange one thing for another is common to all men, and to be found in no other race of animals.”Create visual
“An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory.”Create visual
“The best time to plan a book is while you're doing the dishes.”Create visual
“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.”Create visual