King Quote by Jean le Rond d'Alembert
““In effect, what is a courtier? He is a man whom the misfortune of kings and people has placed betwixt the sovereign and truth to conceal it from his eyes.””
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Treatise: Elements of Moral Philosophy, 1765
A courtier acts as a buffer between sovereign power and truth, concealing reality to protect the ruler’s perception.
In simple terms: Courtiers hide truth from kings.
Key Takeaway
Question the role of intermediaries.
Themes
politics
truth
power
ethics
manipulation
Mood
critical
thoughtful
skeptical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- government advisory roles
- media framing
- corporate PR
- diplomatic negotiations
Key Concepts
courtly duty
philosophical critique
social hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is concealment always harmful?
- Can truth be protected without deception?
A Different Perspective
The view assumes courtiers are inherently deceptive, ignoring possible loyalty.
![“The second stage is called the Rank of Service,[FN#271] in which the student distinguishes himself by his loyalty to the Mind-King, and becomes a courtier to 'serve' him. He is in constant 'service' to the King, attending him with obedience and love, and always fearing to offend him. Thus the…” quote by Kaiten Nukariya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3e1/kaiten-nukariya-793_love_the-second-stage-is-called-the-rank-of-s_1009224.jpg){kind=icon}
![“Geometry, which should only obey Physics, when united with it sometimes commands it. If it happens that the question which we wish to examine is too complicated for all the elements to be able to enter into the analytical comparison we wish to make, we separate the more inconvenient [elements], we…” quote by Jean le Rond d'Alembert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d9/jean-le-rond-d-alembert-26487_able_geometry-which-should-only-obey-physics_6945.jpg)
