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About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote suggests that unchecked power or lack of punishment leads to cruelty in governance.
In plain terms
When rulers face no consequences, they become cruel.
What can you take from it?
Accountability prevents abuse in government.

Where it applies

  • political debates
  • discussing rights
  • policy analysis

Putting it to work

  • advocate accountability
  • critique unchecked power

Questions to consider

  • How do you ensure accountability?
  • What stops rulers from cruelty?

Another view

It oversimplifies the complexities of governmental systems.

More from George Bernard Shaw

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  3. There have been summits of civilization at which heretics like Socrates, who was killed because he was wiser than his neighbors, have not been tortured, but or…

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