Dictator Quote by Michael A. Ledeen
“Paradoxically, preserving liberty may require the rule of a single leader-a dictator-willing to use those dreaded 'extraordinary measures, which few know how, or are willing, to employ.'”
About This Quote
Preserving liberty may paradoxically require a strong leader willing to use extraordinary measures.
In simple terms: Liberty may need a decisive leader.
Key Takeaway
Weigh liberty against authority carefully.
Themes
politics
freedom
authority
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- national security
- emergency powers
- constitutional law
- public debate
Key Concepts
philosophy
governance
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- When are extraordinary measures justified?
- How to safeguard against power abuse?
A Different Perspective
Risk of authoritarian abuse.
![“We have the ability to take him [President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez] out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability. We don't need another $200 billion war to get rid of one, you know, strong-arm dictator. It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job…” quote by Pat Robertson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/194/pat-robertson-1972_ability_we-have-the-ability-to-take-him-presiden_23256.jpg)
![“I think the level of casualties is secondary... [A]ll the great scholars who have studied American character have come to the conclusion that we are a warlike people and that we love war... What we hate is not casualties but losing.” quote by Michael A. Ledeen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/02f/michael-a-ledeen-52574_american-character_i-think-the-level-of-casualties-is-secon_841195.jpg)
