We said that a single ...

We said that a single injustice, a single crime, a single illegality, particularly if it is officially recorded, confirmed, a single wrong to humanity, a single wrong to justice and to right, particularly if it is universally, legally, nationally, commodiously accepted, that a single crime shatters and is sufficient to shatter the whole social pact, the whole social contract, that a single legal crime, a single dishonorable act will bring about the loss of ones honor, the dishonor of a whole people. It is a touch of gangrene that corrupts the entire body.
 Charles Peguy

Quotes from the same author

Love is rarer than genius itself. And friendship is rarer than love.
 Charles PĆ©guy
We shall never know how many acts of cowardice have been motivated by the fear of appearing not sufficiently progressive.
 Charles Peguy
He who does not bellow the truth when he knows the truth makes himself the accomplice of liars and forgers.
 Charles Peguy