Command Quote by Pittacus of Mytilene
“That state is best ordered when the wicked have no command, and the good have.”
About This Quote
Source Historical maxim: 6th century BCE, Greek lawgiver
A just society arises when the immoral lack power and the virtuous lead.
In simple terms: Good governance requires the wicked to be powerless.
Key Takeaway
Promote virtue and limit corrupt influence.
Themes
justice
leadership
morality
politics
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- government reform
- community organizing
- elections
Key Concepts
ethics
civic theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure virtuous leadership?
- What safeguards prevent the wicked from gaining power?
A Different Perspective
Power dynamics are complex; good people can also err.
![“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)
