“Lt. Colonel Picquart had carried out his duty as an honest man.”

— Emile Zola, J’accuse…!

J'accuse! (1898)
Context: Lt. Colonel Picquart had carried out his duty as an honest man. He kept insisting to his superiors in the name of justice. He even begged them, telling them how impolitic it was to temporize in the face of the terrible storm that was brewing and that would break when the truth became known.

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Emile Zola54

French writer (1840-1902) 1840–1902

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