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when Napoleon III created the bagnes and was asked: “But who will guard these bandits?” he answered: “Worse bandits.”
The Chinese invented the drop of water falling on the head. The French invented silence.
When you’re older, you’ll give up the idea of punishment and revenge.” Thirty-four years later I agreed with him.
No nation has the right to revenge itself or rush to eliminate people just because they cause society anxiety. They should be healed instead of given such inhuman punishment.
“Sometimes God wills for one of His children to experience human wickedness so that he will emerge stronger and nobler than ever.
Let me put it another way: the men, the system, the cogs of the machine that ground you down, the evil men who framed you and tortured you, have rendered you the greatest service possible. They brought forth a new man, superior to the first, and if today you recognize honor, goodness and charity, and realize the energy you will need to surmount the obstacles and become someone superior, you owe it to them.
“Father, leave me as I am for now. My father raised me without religion. He has a heart of gold. When my mother died, he found new words, new ways to fill her place in my life. If I let myself be baptized now, it would be a kind of betrayal. Give me time to become completely free, to begin a normal life, then I’ll write and ask him if he minds if I give up his philosophy and have myself baptized.” “I understand, my son, and I’m sure that God does too. I bless you and ask God to protect you.”
Be grateful that your vast lands are free of civilization. Your way of life has taught me something of great importance to my future: it is better to be a savage Indian than a judge with all his honors.
