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Just as an individual of pre-eminent worth transforms democracy into a monarchy of the best man, even so the rule of one man, if in all things it has an eye to the common welfare, is democracy.
Apollonius Of Tyana
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Interpretation

What this quote means

A virtuous leader can elevate a democracy by prioritizing the common good, creating a benevolent rule.

This quote suggests that when an outstanding individual takes charge with a genuine concern for the well-being of the people, their leadership can resemble a democratic form of governance, even if they hold significant power. It emphasizes that the essence of democracy lies not merely in the structures of governance, but in the intentions and actions of those who lead, proposing that true democracy emerges when leaders act in the best interest of all citizens.

Themes

LeadershipDemocracyCommon GoodVirtuousWorth

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about leadership at a conference, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of good intentions in governance.

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Never may a man prone to believe scandal be a despot or a popular leader! Under his guidance, democracy itself will be despotism.
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If any man has left us for fear of Nero, I shall not account him a coward; but I shall hail as a philosopher any man who has been superior to this fear, and I shall teach him all I know.
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If you have problems of conduct that are difficult and hard to settle, I will furnish you with solutions, for I not only know matters of practice and duty, but I even know them beforehand.
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O ye gods, grant unto me to have little and to want nothing.
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