The Marks of a Tyrant
Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle explains what it is that defines a tyranny.
written 335-323 BC
Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle explains what it is that defines a tyranny.
written 335-323 BC
We tend to use the word ‘tyrant’ today with a mental picture of some apoplectic dictator raving and stamping. This is hardly adequate, and it allows much tyranny to pass unnoticed. Aristotle gave us a more carefully drawn word-portrait: of a man (or of men) whose goal is to keep a grip on power by systematically dividing, demeaning and disheartening the public.
Translated by Benjamin Jowett.
Tyrants are always fond of bad men, because they love to be flattered, but no man who has the spirit of a freeman in him will demean himself by flattery; good men love others, but they do not flatter anybody. Moreover the bad are useful for bad purposes; ‘nail knocks out nail,’ as the proverb says.*
It is characteristic of a tyrant to dislike every one who has dignity or independence; he wants to be alone in his glory, but any dependent one who claims a like dignity or asserts his independence encroaches upon his prerogative, and is hated by him as an enemy to his power. Another mark of a tyrant is that he likes foreigners better than citizens, and with them and invites them to his table; for the one are enemies, but the others enter into no rivalry with him.
Such are the notes of the tyrant and the arts by which he preserves his power; there is no wickedness too great for him.
* This Greek proverb is normally used where we would say ‘set a thief to catch a thief’. Aristotle is using it in a slightly different sense, to mean ‘if you want a dirty job done, get a dirty man to do it’.
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Why do tyrants prefer the company of foreigners?
Because foreigners aren’t rivals for his crown.
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
Tyrants employ bad men. They want dirty jobs done. Only bad men will do them.
See if you can include one or more of these words in your answer.
IMoral. IIPrepare. IIIReason.