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The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism.
George Washington
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The struggle for power between factions can lead to oppressive rule and tyranny.

George Washington warns that the rivalry and revenge between political factions can escalate into a dangerous form of despotism, undermining freedom and leading to oppressive governance. He emphasizes the cyclical nature of such conflicts, suggesting that continuous factionalism inevitably paves the way for a more formal and enduring tyranny, thereby threatening the very foundations of democracy.

Themes

FactionDespotismRevengePoliticsTyranny

In practice

Example use cases

In a political debate addressing the dangers of extreme partisanship.

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