The French Revolution of 1789 was inspired by, and led not by the "peasantry" but by the educated middle classes demanding reform, and justice for all. In time the ideologues would turn on the moderates leading to the Reign of Terror, executing those determined to be less than enthusiastic supporting the more extreme objectives of the revolutionary leaders.
On a more mundane level it can be said that our responses to the every day perceived flawed behaviour of our contemporaries might well engender in us a determination to put them right, sufficiently for them to appreciate that our patience with their bad habits has worn thin.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4
Self control in the face of unpleasant behaviour can test our patience, sufficiently to want to strike back with the same measure.
“Losing self-control leaves you as helpless as a city without a wall.” ~ Proverbs 25:28
When we witness true evil and believe the only counter to it is by replying with the same behaviour (i.e., the end justifies the means) then the abyss stares back at us as if to say, join me for I am filled with revenge.
In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior. ~ Francis Bacon
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