I have brought peace to this land, and security, " he began." And what of your soul, when you use the cleverness of argument to cloak such acts? Do you think that the peace of a thousand cancels out the unjust death of one single person? It may be desirable, it may win you praise from those who have happily survived you and prospered from your deeds, but you have committed ignoble acts, and have been too proud to own them. I have waited patiently here, hoping that you would come to me, for if you understood, then some of your acts would be mitigated. But instead you send me this manuscript, proud, magisterial, and demonstrating only that you have understood nothing at all."" I returned to public life on your advice, madam, " he said stiffly." Yes; I advised it. I said if learning must die it should do so with a friend by its bedside. Not an assassin. Iain Pears
About This Quote

The best and the brightest must sacrifice their lives to save the country from injustices. A person is judged by his or her actions not by some manuscript. The idea of “ignoble acts” is a clear reference to someone like Gandhi, who was assassinated for his protests against British rule of India.

Source: The Dream Of Scipio

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