Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Oligarchs and tyrants disarm people to keep them mistrustful and controlled.
In plain terms
Rulers take away arms to control the people.
What can you take from it?
Disarming citizens helps rulers maintain power.

Where it applies

  • authoritarian rule
  • civil liberty

Putting it to work

  • monitor disarmament
  • protect civil rights

Questions to consider

  • Why do leaders disarm citizens?

Another view

It ignores legitimate reasons for regulation.

More from Aristotle

  1. Well begun is half done.

    Permalink to quote #28
  2. A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-f…

    Permalink to quote #30
  3. Inferiors revolt in order that they may be equal, and equals that they may be superior. Such is the state of mind which creates revolutions.

    Permalink to quote #27

Related quotes

  1. To be governed is to be watched over, inspected, spied on, directed, legislated at, regulated, docketed, indoctrinated, preached at, controlled, assessed, weig…

    P. J. ProudhonP. J. Proudhon quote #2
  2. The authorities are those who are clever, strong and smart, but if the process gets out of control of the commanders, it becomes something negative.

    Seyran OhanyanSeyran Ohanyan quote #2
  3. Politics is the art of preventing people from taking part in affairs which properly concern them.

    Paul ValeryPaul Valery quote #21