"The crime and not the scaffold makes the shame"

This quote by French playwright Pierre Corneille recommends that it is not the punishment itself, but rather the act of committing a criminal activity that brings embarassment upon an individual. The scaffold, or the structure utilized for public executions, is typically viewed as a sign of shame and penalty. However, Corneille argues that it is not the physical punishment that brings shame, however rather the act of devoting a criminal offense. This quote highlights the idea that one's actions and options are what ultimately determine their character and reputation, instead of the consequences imposed by society. It acts as a tip to take duty for one's actions and to pursue moral stability.