Absolute power Quote by Will Durant
““It has been the one song of those who thirst after absolute power that the interest of the state requires that its affairs should be conducted in secret... But the more such arguments disguise themselves under the mask of public welfare, the more oppressive is the slavery to which they will lead... Better that right counsels be known to enemies than that the evil secrets of tyrants should be concealed from the citizens. They who can treat secretly of the affairs of a nation have it absolutely under their authority; and as they plot against the enemy in time of war, so do they against the citizens in time of peace.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Story of Civilization, 1935
Secret governance hides power, but transparency protects citizens from oppression.
In simple terms: Secrecy breeds tyranny; openness safeguards freedom.
Key Takeaway
Demand openness and accountability.
Themes
politics
power
transparency
Mood
critical
cautious
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- corporate decisions
- media reporting
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
civil liberties
public welfare
Questions to Reflect On
- When is secrecy acceptable?
- How does secrecy affect trust?
A Different Perspective
Secrecy may be justified for national security.
![“As Israel made the wants of his national existence the law of the world, as under the dominance of these wants he deified even his political vindictiveness; so the Christian made the requirements of human feeling the absolute powers and laws of the world. [T]hat is, indeed, only of man considered…” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dd1/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_abrahamism_as-israel-made-the-wants-of-his-national_31284.jpg)