Of one man in especial, beyond anyone else, the citizens…
“Of one man in especial, beyond anyone else, the citizens of a republic should beware, and that is of the man who appeals to them to support him on the ground that he is hostile to other citizens of the republic, that he will secure for those who elect him, in one shape or another, profit at the expense of other citizens of the republic. It makes no difference whether he appeals to class hatred or class interest, to religious or anti-religious prejudice. The man who makes such an appeal should always be presumed to make it for the sake of furthering his own interest.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Leaders who exploit division for personal gain threaten the republic and its citizens.
In simple terms: Divisive leaders harm society.
Key Takeaway
Guard against manipulative rhetoric.
Themes
politics
ethics
leadership
Mood
cautionary
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- elections
- policy debates
- public discourse
- media analysis
Key Concepts
populism
self‑interest
democracy
Questions to Reflect On
- What signs indicate a leader is exploiting division?
- How can citizens hold such leaders accountable?
A Different Perspective
Not all appeals are overt; subtle bias can also erode trust.