“I hate victims who respect their executioners.”
- June 21, 1905 – April 15, 1980
- Born in France
- Philosopher, novelist, playwright
- He advocated existentialism and had a major influence on 20th century thought through works such as “Being and Nothingness” and “Nausea”
Quote
“I hate victims who respect their executioners.”
Explanation
In this quote, Sartre expresses a profound condemnation of the relationship between oppressor and oppressed, specifically focusing on the psychological and moral dynamics that exist when victims of oppression, violence, or injustice show respect or submission to those who harm them. Sartre’s words reflect a deep rebuke of any moral or psychological acquiescence from the victim in the face of injustice. By using the term “executioners,” Sartre makes a stark comparison between the direct violence of oppression and the internalized submission of the oppressed. The phrase emphasizes the self-deception or passivity of victims who, out of fear, conformity, or psychological survival mechanisms, accept the authority or legitimacy of their oppressors.
Sartre’s existential philosophy is built on the idea that individuals are free to define themselves and are responsible for their choices. To “respect” one’s executioner, in Sartre’s view, represents a failure to assert one’s own freedom and human dignity. It is a form of bad faith, where victims, in attempting to preserve their sense of peace or mental survival, deny their inherent freedom to act and resist. In Sartre’s existentialist view, true authenticity involves recognizing the oppressive forces around us and refusing to surrender to them, even in situations of extreme powerlessness.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with social justice movements, where the oppressed, marginalized, or disenfranchised are often expected to respect or accept the authority of systems that perpetuate inequality, injustice, or violence. Sartre’s words call for active resistance and self-determination in the face of oppression. It challenges both individuals and communities to confront the power dynamics that shape society, and to refuse to submit to unjust systems that diminish their humanity. Whether in the context of political oppression, economic inequality, or cultural subjugation, Sartre’s insight encourages a refusal to respect the forces that dehumanize or oppress, urging individuals to claim their freedom and resist passivity.
