Single Idea 19977

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

Full Idea

How could a despot permit honour? Honour depends upon scorning life; the despot has power only because he can deprive men of life. How could honour tolerate the despot? Honour has fixed rules, ...but the despot has no rule.

Gist of Idea

Despotism and honour are incompatible, because honour scorns his power, and lives by rules

Source

Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 03.08)

Book Reference

Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.131


A Reaction

The old German aristocracy seem to have been utterly alienated and isolated by the Nazi regime.