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I mean to say that man has a tyrant,—ignorance. I voted…

“I mean to say that man has a tyrant,—ignorance. I voted for the death of that tyrant. That tyrant engendered royalty, which is authority falsely understood, while science is authority rightly understood. Man should be governed only by science.” quote by Victor Hugo
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““I mean to say that man has a tyrant,—ignorance. I voted for the death of that tyrant. That tyrant engendered royalty, which is authority falsely understood, while science is authority rightly understood. Man should be governed only by science.””

Victor Hugo

About This Quote

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

The speaker argues that ignorance is a tyrant, advocating that science, not royalty, should be the basis of governance.

In simple terms: Ignorance rules; science should govern.

Key Takeaway

Promote scientific rationality in leadership.

Themes

knowledge science governance

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • education reform
  • policy making
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

political philosophy epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can science inform ethical decisions?
  • What role should tradition play?
A Different Perspective

Science alone may not address moral complexities.

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