The arts of power and its minions are the same in all countries and in all ages. It marks its victim; denounces it; and excites the public odium and the public hatred, to conceal its own abuses and encroachments.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Power often uses public hatred to hide its own abuses and maintain control.
- In plain terms
- Leaders blame others to hide their bad actions.
- What can you take from it?
- Question who benefits when public anger is directed elsewhere.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who benefits from this outrage?
- How is power maintained?
Another view
It assumes all public hatred is manufactured rather than organic.
More from Henry Clay
Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees; and both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people.
Permalink to quote #6 Precedents deliberately established by wise men are entitled to great weight. They are evidence of truth, but only evidence...But a solitary precedent...which …
Permalink to quote #8 All religions united with government are more or less inimical to liberty. All, separated from government, are compatible with liberty.
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