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About this quote

What does it mean?
Cromwell rejects any claim to royal succession or inheritance from Charles Stuart.
In plain terms
He denies having any right to be king.
What can you take from it?
Deny claims to inherited power.

Where it applies

  • political transitions
  • succession crises
  • republic formation

Putting it to work

  • reject hereditary claims
  • establish new authority
  • distance from monarchy

Questions to consider

  • How is legitimate authority established?
  • Can power exist without inheritance?

Another view

It may be a political statement rather than a personal belief.

More from Oliver Cromwell

  1. No one rises so high as he who knows not whither he is going.

    Permalink to quote #21

  2. The dimensions of this mercy are above my thoughts. It is for aught I know, a crowning mercy.

    Permalink to quote #23

  3. Your pretended fear lest error should step in, is like the man that would keep all the wine out of the country lest men should be drunk. It will be found an un…

    Permalink to quote #20

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