There be as many persons of a king, as there be petty…
“There be as many persons of a king, as there be petty constables in his kingdom. And so there are, or else he cannot be obeyed. But I never said that a king, and every one of his persons, are the same substance.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A ruler must have many officials to enforce his will; otherwise obedience collapses.
In simple terms: Kings need many agents to be obeyed.
Key Takeaway
Ensure proper delegation.
Themes
authority
governance
obedience
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- statecraft
- administration
- law enforcement
Key Concepts
political theory
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How many officials are necessary for effective governance?
- When does delegation become overreach?
A Different Perspective
Too many agents can create bureaucracy and oppression.