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Single Idea 22683

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / c. Despotism]

Full Idea

In despotic states the sovereign is so much attached to his power that he dislikes the constraints even of his own regulations, and likes to see his agents acting irregularly.

Gist of Idea

Despots like to see their own regulations ignored, by themselves and their agents

Source

Alexis de Tocqueville (Democracy in America (abr Renshaw) [1840], 1.11)

A Reaction

A nice observation. What would Machiavelli say? At least the citizens can see where the real power resides.

Book Reference

Tocqueville,Alexis de: 'Democracy in America (abridged)', ed/tr. Renshaw,Patrick [Wordsworth 1998], p.85