Snapshot · Dwarkesh Podcast
In Renaissance Florence, perhaps 99 of 100 capital convictions ended in a fine rather than execution, because patronage networks intervened to win clemency for the accused.
Where this was said
At 45:00 · chapter starts 36:13
Patronage was the fundamental glue of Renaissance society — from papal army command to hotel stays. When Paul III chose competence over family, Romans rioted demanding more nepotism. [1] — Ada Palmer "99 of 100 death sentences commuted: In Renaissance Florence, perhaps 99 of 100 capital convictions ended in a fine rather than execution, b…" 45:00
Death was the sentence on the books for almost everything. But in reality, your patron intervened, a word was put in, and you paid a fine. The one person who was actually executed was the one who had angered his patron. The entire justice system was a rehearsal for divine grace, with the patron standing in for the saint and the judge standing in for God.
Giordano Bruno survived multiple Inquisition trials through patronage, but when he angered his patron, that patron turned him in — leaving him without protection and leading to his execution.
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