King Quote by Aristotle
“A king ruleth as he ought, a tyrant as he lists, a king to the profit of all, a tyrant only to please a few.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Politics, Book III, 4th century BC
A ruler who governs for the common good differs from a tyrant who serves only a select few.
In simple terms: Good rulers serve all; tyrants serve few.
Govern for the many, not the few.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government policy
- community organizing
- activism
- public office
- corporate governance
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do leaders have to minorities?
- How can power be checked?
Even good rulers can become tyrants if they ignore minority rights.