Political Quotes

Lysander Spooner: “There is no other or at least no more accurate definition of a despotism than this.”

On the record
There is no other or at least no more accurate definition of a despotism than this.
Said by
Lysander Spooner

Editor's note · Context

Spooner provides a definition of despotism that emphasizes the lack of accountability in government.

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More from Lysander Spooner

They do not carry their heads high, above all other men, and demand our reverence and admiration, as statesmen, patriots, and benefactors.

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In short, they acknowledge themselves hostes humani generis: enemies of the human race.

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When they have once taken our money, they have the decency to get out of our sight as soon as possible; they do not persist in following us, and robbing us, again and again, so long as we produce anything that they can take from us.

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For all these reasons, they are not only modest and sensible, but really frank, honest, and honorable villains, contrasted with these courts of injustice, and the lawmakers by whom these courts are established.

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