It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising their sovereignty. Usurpation is then an easy attainment, and an usurper soon found. The people themselves become the willing instruments of their own debasement and ruin.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- When people become ignorant and corrupt, they lose the ability to govern themselves, making usurpation easy.
- In plain terms
- Ignorant and corrupt people cannot keep their power, so dictators can take over easily.
- What can you take from it?
- An informed and moral citizenry is essential to prevent tyranny.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a people vulnerable to usurpation?
- How do citizens maintain civic virtue?
Another view
It places too much blame on the public for systemic failures.
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