"Atheism is aristocratic; the idea of a great Being that watches over oppressed innocence and punishes triumphant crime is altogether popular"

In this quote, Maximilien Robespierre is expressing his belief that atheism is a principle that is favored by the upper class or aristocracy. He contrasts this with the idea of a divine being who secures the innocent and penalizes the guilty, which he thinks is a more popular belief amongst the typical individuals. Robespierre, a prominent figure in the French Revolution, may be recommending that the concept of a higher power is utilized by the ruling class to preserve their power and oppress the lower classes. He sees atheism as a more enlightened and progressive belief, while the belief in a deity is seen as a tool of control.