In Hilary Mantel's "A Place of Greater Safety," Camille Desmoulins asserts that short-lived chaos can be more effective for securing liberty and protecting the nation than prolonged deliberation through governmental bodies. He implies that decisive action, even if it comes in the form of anarchy, can lead to significant breakthroughs in achieving freedom. This perspective challenges traditional views on governance and the role of structured institutions in enacting change.
Desmoulins' quote emphasizes the urgency of revolutionary action over bureaucratic processes. It suggests that sometimes, immediate, radical measures are necessary to foster true political transformation, highlighting a tension between order and liberty. This idea reflects the tumultuous nature of revolutions, where the quest for freedom often leads to tumult and disorder, yet may ultimately pave the way for lasting change.