“Children say that people are hung sometimes for speaking the truth.”
- c. 1412 – May 30, 1431
- French
- Military leader, Martyr, Saint of the Roman Catholic Church
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Quote
“Children say that people are hung sometimes for speaking the truth.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Joan of Arc’s awareness of the dangers that accompany truth-telling, even in its most innocent form. The mention of “children” adds a layer of irony and poignancy—it suggests that even the young recognize a harsh reality of the world: that honesty can provoke fear, power, and punishment. Joan is not merely commenting on gossip or childish remarks; she is articulating a profound truth about the cost of moral courage.
Historically, Joan herself became the embodiment of this warning. She was put on trial and executed largely because her truth—the belief that she was sent by God to save France—threatened the political and religious order. Her visions and leadership undermined the English occupation and challenged male clerical authority. Speaking the truth, for Joan, was not only dangerous—it was fatal. This quote, then, foreshadows her own martyrdom and illustrates how systems of power often punish those who disrupt them with uncomfortable truths.
In the modern world, this quote resonates in contexts where whistleblowers, activists, and dissenters face consequences for revealing corruption or injustice. Whether in authoritarian regimes or corporate environments, truth-telling can still carry a heavy price. Joan’s observation, simple in form yet profound in implication, is a timeless reminder that while truth has power, it also demands bravery and, at times, a willingness to face persecution.
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