An autocratic system of coercion, in my opinion, soon degenerates. For force always attracts men of low morality, and I believe it to be an invariable rule that tyrants of genius are succeeded by scoundrels. For this reason I have always been passionately opposed to systems such as we see in Italy and Russia to-day.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He argues autocratic systems fail because they attract immoral leaders and lead to tyranny.
- In plain terms
- Dictatorships usually end badly because bad people take power.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid systems that concentrate power unfairly.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a government just?
- How do leaders change?
Another view
Some authoritarian regimes persist longer than expected.
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