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When any one person or body of men seize into their hands…

“When any one person or body of men seize into their hands the power in the last resort, there is properly no longer a government, but what Aristotle and his followers call the abuse and corruption of one.” quote by Jonathan Swift
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“When any one person or body of men seize into their hands the power in the last resort, there is properly no longer a government, but what Aristotle and his followers call the abuse and corruption of one.”

Jonathan Swift

About This Quote

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

When power concentrates in a single entity, it becomes tyrannical, echoing Aristotle’s warning about abuse.

In simple terms: Power concentration leads to tyranny.

Key Takeaway

Guard against power concentration.

Themes

politics power corruption

Mood

cautionary reflective

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • government
  • corporate leadership
  • activism

Key Concepts

political philosophy ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards prevent abuse of power?
  • How does concentration affect liberty?
A Different Perspective

Power can be diffused without chaos.

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