Les Misérables Power Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Book.Chapter.Line)

Quote #10

In democratic states, the only ones based on justice, it may happen that a minority usurps power. (4.10.2.1)

For Hugo, the only just form of government is democracy, but even that has flaws. A powerful minority can sometimes grab hold of power in a democracy—but at least it's rare, whereas it's built into the DNA of a tyrannical system with an unelected king.