I have heard, in such a way as to believe it, of your…
““I have heard, in such a way as to believe it, of your recently saying that both the army and the Government needed a dictator. Of course, it was not for this, but in spite of it, that I have given you command. Only those generals who gain successes can set up as dictators. What I now ask of you is military success and I will risk the dictatorship.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He argues that military success justifies authoritarian rule, but warns that such power is contingent on victory.
In simple terms: Success in war can legitimize dictators, but only while winning.
Key Takeaway
Seek success, but beware of power’s fragility.
Themes
politics
military
authority
risk
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- war campaigns
- government decisions
- leadership training
Key Concepts
realpolitik
power dynamics
conditional legitimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- What ethical limits should constrain leaders seeking power?
- How can societies prevent power from becoming dependent on military success?
A Different Perspective
Success is unstable; losing can topple any regime.