Despotism

The despotism of this multitude of tyrants is more insupportable, the less the distance is between the oppressor and the oppressed;

Hence it follows, that in extreme political liberty, and in absolute despotism, all ideas of honour disappear, or are confounded with others.

At this epocha began to be established the despotism of opinion, as being the only means of obtaining those benefits which the law could not procure, and of removing those evils against which the laws were no security.

But it may be objected, if sovereignty and despotism are synonimous terms, that the sovereignty of the people is also a despotism.

By referring to the English books and practices, from which it is borrowed, for its interpretation, it turns out to be synonimous with despotism.

Any government, that is its own judge of, and determines authoritatively for the people, what are its own powers over the people, is an absolute government of course.

The conclusion, therefore, is, that any government, that can, for a day, enforce its own laws, without appealing to the people, (or to a tribunal fairly representing the people,) for their consent, is, in theory, an absolute government, irresponsible to the people, and can perpetuate its power at pleasure.

Despots, I suppose;

And it is this that you say you desire?

Did he not govern these same people in his city?

it still remains unlimited despotism, as Hobbes rightly assumes.

First take marriage.

To this Hiero answered:

Indeed it is not so, Simonides;