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Full Idea
There has never been a single legislator who, in proposing extraordinary laws, did not have recourse to God, for otherwise they would not be accepted, since many benefits known to a prudent man do not have evident persuasive reasons.
Gist of Idea
All legislators invoke God in support of extraordinary laws, because their justification is not obvious
Source
Niccolo Machiavelli (The Discourses [1520], 1.11), quoted by Jean-Jacques Rousseau - The Social Contract (tr Cress) II.7 n8
Book Ref
Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.165
A Reaction
It does seem to be an important role for God and state religion, to give support to decisions and laws which might not be intrinsically popular.
19813 | All legislators invoke God in support of extraordinary laws, because their justification is not obvious [Machiavelli] |
7126 | Rulers should preserve the foundations of religion, to ensure good behaviour and unity [Machiavelli] |
7486 | Machiavelli emancipated politics from religion [Machiavelli, by Watson] |
6309 | The principle foundations of all states are good laws and good armies [Machiavelli] |
7127 | If men are good you should keep promises, but they aren't, so you needn't [Machiavelli] |
6305 | To retain a conquered state, wipe out the ruling family, and preserve everything else [Machiavelli] |
6306 | People are vengeful, so be generous to them, or destroy them [Machiavelli] |
6307 | A desire to conquer, and men who do it, are always praised, or not blamed [Machiavelli] |
6308 | A sensible conqueror does all his harmful deeds immediately, because people soon forget [Machiavelli] |