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Single Idea 19903
[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / c. Despotism
]
Full Idea
Despotical power is an absolute, arbitrary power one man over another, to take away his life whenever he pleases; and this is a power which neither Nature gives, for it has made no such distinction between one man and another, nor compact can convey.
Gist of Idea
Despotism is arbitrary power to kill, based neither on natural equality, nor any social contract
Source
John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690], 172)
Book Ref
Locke,John: 'Two Treatises of Government' [Everyman 1988], p.205
A Reaction
Colonies of seals, walruses and apes seem to display despotism, based on physical strength, though that is largely to do with mating. There could be such a compact, but Locke would regard it as invalid.
Related Idea
Idea 19904
Legitimate prisoners of war are subject to despotism, because that continues the state of war [Locke]
The
22 ideas
with the same theme
[corrupt single leader who abuses a state]:
245
|
Totalitarian states destroy friendships and community spirit
[Plato]
|
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]
|
6308
|
A sensible conqueror does all his harmful deeds immediately, because people soon forget
[Machiavelli]
|
19886
|
The idea that absolute power improves mankind is confuted by history
[Locke]
|
19903
|
Despotism is arbitrary power to kill, based neither on natural equality, nor any social contract
[Locke]
|
19905
|
People stripped of their property are legitimately subject to despotism
[Locke]
|
19904
|
Legitimate prisoners of war are subject to despotism, because that continues the state of war
[Locke]
|
19975
|
Despots are always lazy and ignorant, so they always delegate their power to a vizier
[Montesquieu]
|
19977
|
Despotism and honour are incompatible, because honour scorns his power, and lives by rules
[Montesquieu]
|
19988
|
A despot's agents must be given power, so they inevitably become corrupt
[Montesquieu]
|
19989
|
The will of a despot is an enigma, so magistrates can only follow their own will
[Montesquieu]
|
20007
|
Tyranny is either real violence, or the imposition of unpopular legislation
[Montesquieu]
|
7227
|
It is evil to give a government any more power than is necessary
[Mill]
|
22683
|
Despots like to see their own regulations ignored, by themselves and their agents
[Tocqueville]
|
20229
|
No authority ever willingly accepts criticism
[Nietzsche]
|
20941
|
Totalitarian parties cut their members off from other cultural organisations
[Gramsci]
|
20579
|
Modern totalitarianism results from lack of social ties or shared goals
[Arendt, by Oksala]
|
20580
|
The ideal subject for dictators is not a fanatic, but someone who can't distinguish true from false
[Arendt, by Oksala]
|
7981
|
Whole populations are terrorist threats to authorities, who unite against them
[Baudrillard]
|
20497
|
How can dictators advance the interests of the people, if they don't consult them about interests?
[Wolff,J]
|
21001
|
Famines tend to be caused by authoritarian rule
[Sen]
|