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A king is a thing men have made for their own sakes, for…

“A king is a thing men have made for their own sakes, for quietness sake. Just as in a family one man is appointed to buy the meat.” quote by John Selden
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“A king is a thing men have made for their own sakes, for quietness sake. Just as in a family one man is appointed to buy the meat.”

John Selden

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Power structures are created by people to maintain order and personal comfort, similar to assigning a role within a family.

In simple terms: People design authority for stability and personal benefit.

Key Takeaway

Question the purpose and design of authority.

Themes

politics authority social order

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • government
  • family dynamics
  • organizational hierarchy

Key Concepts

social contract role assignment

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who benefits from existing power structures?
  • How can authority be made more accountable?
A Different Perspective

Authority can become oppressive if unchecked.

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