The arbitrary rule of a just and enlightened prince is always bad. His virtues are the most dangerous and the surest form of seduction: they lull a people imperceptibly into the habit of loving, respecting, and serving his successor, whoever that successor may be, no matter how wicked or stupid.
Interpretation
A benevolent ruler can lead people to blindly support their successor, regardless of their character.
Denis Diderot's quote emphasizes the potential dangers of a just and enlightened ruler. While such a leader may possess virtues that initially inspire admiration and loyalty among the people, this can create a problematic environment where the populace may continue to support a successor without critical assessment of their character or abilities. This blind loyalty can, in turn, open the door for less deserving individuals to ascend to power, ultimately leading to governance that may not serve the best interests of the people.
In practice
Encouraging a discussion on the nature of power in a political science class.
This root [the potato], no matter how much you prepare it, is tasteless and floury. It cannot pass for an agreeable food, but it supplies a food sufficiently abundant and sufficiently healthy for men who ask only to sustain themselves. The potato is criticized with reason for being windy, but what matters windiness for the vigorous organisms of peasants and laborers?
Do you see this egg? With this you can topple every theological theory, every church or temple in the world.
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All abstract sciences are nothing but the study of relations between signs.
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All I care to know about a man is that he is a human being... he can't be any worse.
From the deepest desires often come the deadliest hate.
We are so afraid of the idea of having to die... that we always try to find excuses for the dead, as if we were asking beforehand to be excused when it is our turn.
Every inhabitant of this planet must contemplate the day when this planet may no longer be habitable .. The weapons of war must be abolished before they abolish us.
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