Demagogues Quote by Aristotle
““When states are democratically governed according to law, there are no demagogues, and the best citizens are securely in the saddle; but where the laws are not sovereign, there you find demagogues. The people become a monarch... such people, in its role as a monarch, not being controlled by law, aims at sole power and becomes like a master.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Politics, Book III, 350 BC
Democratic law prevents demagoguery; lawless systems breed tyrants who claim popular authority.
In simple terms: Law protects against tyranny.
Key Takeaway
Support strong legal institutions.
Themes
politics
law
power
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- constitutional design
- civil society
- education curricula
Key Concepts
democracy
authoritarianism
rule of law
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens guard against charismatic tyranny?
- What safeguards ensure laws remain sovereign?
A Different Perspective
Even with laws, demagogues can manipulate public opinion.
![“You [demagogues] are like the fishers for eels; in still waters they catch nothing, but if they thoroughly stir up the slime, their fishing is good; in the same way it's only in troublous times that you line your pockets.” quote by Aristophanes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4f7/aristophanes-3340_demagoguery_you-demagogues-are-like-the-fishers-for_87488.jpg)
