Accustomed Quote by Aristotle
“The tyrant, who in order to hold his power, suppresses every superiority, does away with good men, forbids education and light, controls every movement of the citizens and, keeping them under a perpetual servitude, wants them to grow accustomed to baseness and cowardice, has his spies everywhere to listen to what is said in the meetings, and spreads dissension and calumny among the citizens and impoverishes them, is obliged to make war in order to keep his subjects occupied and impose on them permanent need of a chief.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Politics, Book VII, 4th century BC
A tyrant maintains control by suppressing excellence, spreading fear, and keeping citizens in perpetual need, leading to war and oppression.
In simple terms: Tyrants use oppression and fear to stay in power.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and resist authoritarian manipulation.
Themes
politics
power
oppression
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- activism
- education reform
- community organizing
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
social control
psychology of fear
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms keep citizens compliant?
- How can societies rebuild trust after tyranny?
A Different Perspective
Tyrants may also claim stability, complicating resistance.
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