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Single Idea 19975
[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / c. Despotism
]
Full Idea
Anyone whom his senses inform continually that he is everything, and others nothing, is naturally lazy, voluptuous, and ignorant. Hence the establishment of a vizier, with power the same as his own, is a law fundamental to a despotic state.
Clarification
A 'vizier' is a chief minister
Gist of Idea
Despots are always lazy and ignorant, so they always delegate their power to a vizier
Source
Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 02.05)
Book Ref
Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.124
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]
|