Despotism Quote by Plato
““Do you mean that the tyrant will dare to use violence against the people who fathered him, and raise his hand against them if they oppose him? So the tyrant is a parricide, and little comfort to his old parent.””
About This Quote
Source Dialogue: Republic, Book VIII, 380 BC
A tyrant who harms those who gave him life is a parricide, showing the moral corruption of power.
In simple terms: Tyrant harming his origins is immoral.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the moral decay of oppressive power.
Themes
power
morality
tyranny
Mood
serious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- historical study
- leadership training
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
parricide
ethical philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives a ruler to betray his origins?
- Can power ever be truly ethical?
A Different Perspective
Historical context differs from modern politics.
![“[It is a basic principle of a tyrant] to unarm his people of weapons, money and all means whereby they resist his power.” quote by Walter Raleigh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/85b/walter-raleigh-4068_basic-principles_it-is-a-basic-principle-of-a-tyrant-to-u_111241.jpg)
