--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There be as many persons of a king, as…" description: "\"There be as many persons of a king, as there be petty constables in his kingdom. And so there are, or else he cannot be obeyed. But I never said that a..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a2/thomas-hobbes-1127_identity_there-be-as-many-persons-of-a-king-as-th_821629.jpg" --- # There be as many persons of a king, as there be petty… ![“There be as many persons of a king, as there be petty constables in his kingdom. And so there are, or else he cannot be obeyed. But I never said that a king, and every one of his persons, are the same substance.” quote by Thomas Hobbes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a2/thomas-hobbes-1127_identity_there-be-as-many-persons-of-a-king-as-th_821629.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a2/thomas-hobbes-1127_identity_there-be-as-many-persons-of-a-king-as-th_821629.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a2/thomas-hobbes-1127_identity_there-be-as-many-persons-of-a-king-as-th_821629.jpg) > “There be as many persons of a king, as there be petty constables in his kingdom. And so there are, or else he cannot be obeyed. But I never said that a king, and every one of his persons, are the same substance.” [Thomas Hobbes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hobbes/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A ruler must have many officials to enforce his will; otherwise obedience collapses. **In simple terms:** Kings need many agents to be obeyed. Key Takeaway Ensure proper delegation. Themes authority governance obedience Mood reflective critical Type political philosophical When to use this quote - statecraft - administration - law enforcement Key Concepts political theory social contract Questions to Reflect On - How many officials are necessary for effective governance? - When does delegation become overreach? 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