Abhorrence Quote by Reinhold Niebuhr

The progress of despotism tends to disappoint its own purpose.

— Edward Gibbon

Despotism isn't nearly as bad as it's cracked up to be.

— Arabella Weir

“Socialism is the fantastic younger brother of almost decrepit despotism, which it wants to succeed; its efforts are, therefore, in the deepest sense reactionary.…

— Friedrich Nietzsche

Socialism easily accepts despotism. It requires the strongest execution of power -- power sufficient to interfere with property.

— Lord Acton

Despotism is unjust to everybody, including the despot, who was probably made for better things.

— Oscar Wilde

Despotism is a legitimate mode of government in dealing with barbarians, provided the end be their improvement.

— John Stuart Mill

“Even despotism does not produce its worst effects, so long as individuality exists under it; and whatever crushes individuality is despotism, by whatever name…

— John Stuart Mill

Despotism is a long crime.

— Victor Hugo

In times of anarchy one may seem a despot in order to be a saviour.

— Victor de Riqueti, marquis de Mirabeau

Despotism subjects a nation to one tyrant; democracy, to many.

— Marguerite Gardiner, Countess of Blessington

“From being a movement aiming for universal freedom, communism turned into a system of universal despotism. That is the logic of utopia.”

— John Gray