Assembly Quote by Desiderius Erasmus
“There are some whose only reason for inciting war is to use it as a means to exercise their tyranny over their subjects more easily. For in times of peace the authority of the assembly, the dignity of the magistrates, the force of the laws stand in the way to some extent of the ruler doing what he likes. But once war is declared then the whole business of state is subject to the will of a few ... They demand as much money as they like. Why say more?”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Praise of Folly, 1511
War is exploited by tyrants to bypass peaceful checks on power, allowing them to rule with fewer constraints.
In simple terms: Tyrants use war to crush limits on their rule.
Key Takeaway
Beware leaders who push for conflict.
Themes
politics
power
war
tyranny
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- elections
- legislative debates
- military decisions
- public policy
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
social contract
statecraft
Questions to Reflect On
- How does war alter the balance of power?
- What safeguards can prevent abuse of war?
A Different Perspective
War can also be a genuine defense, not just a tool of oppression.
![“Mac [Barnett] and I prank each other during our presentation. We show baby pictures of each other looking completely ridiculous. I can't believe the frilly shirt that I'm in, and Mac's wearing a sailor suit and playing a toy piano. That's a perfect example of a good prank, where we have three…” quote by Jory John](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/afb/jory-john-60334_assembly_mac-barnett-and-i-prank-each-other-durin_50495.jpg)
