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In truth, there never was any remarkable lawgiver amongst…

“In truth, there never was any remarkable lawgiver amongst any people who did not resort to divine authority, as otherwise his laws would not have been accepted by the people; for there are many good laws, the importance of which is known to be the sa” quote by Niccolo Machiavelli
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“In truth, there never was any remarkable lawgiver amongst any people who did not resort to divine authority, as otherwise his laws would not have been accepted by the people; for there are many good laws, the importance of which is known to be the sa”

Niccolo Machiavelli

About This Quote

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

Laws gain acceptance when tied to perceived divine authority; otherwise they lack legitimacy.

In simple terms: Divine backing legitimizes law.

Key Takeaway

Seek perceived higher authority for law acceptance.

Themes

politics law authority

Mood

analytical critical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • religious edicts
  • social contracts

Key Concepts

legitimacy divine right

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is divine authority always just?
  • How to discern true versus false divine justification?
A Different Perspective

Relying on divine claim can be manipulated for power.

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