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Full Idea
Some have thought that because nature has established the power of the parent, the most natural government is that of a single person. But the example of paternal power proves nothing. The inheritance by a father's brothers would support rule by the many.
Gist of Idea
The natural power of a father suggests rule by one person, but that authority can be spread
Source
Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 01.03)
Book Ref
Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.113
A Reaction
[last bit compressed] Locke pointed out that the mother has similar entitlement, and he and Rousseau agree in rejecting this idea.
| 11388 | Let there be one ruler [Homer] |
| 6320 | The best rulers are invisible, the next admired, the next feared, and the worst are exploited [Laozi (Lao Tzu)] |
| 19964 | The natural power of a father suggests rule by one person, but that authority can be spread [Montesquieu] |
| 21089 | Monarchs have the highest power; autocrats have complete power [Kant] |
| 20936 | Caesarism emerges when two forces in society are paralysed in conflict [Gramsci] |
| 19627 | Opportunists can save a nation, and heroes can ruin it [Cioran] |