To be seduced by Orators, as a Monarch by Flatterers.
Interpretation
This quote warns about the dangers of being swayed by persuasive speakers, similar to how a monarch can be misled by flatterers.
Thomas Hobbes' quote emphasizes the susceptibility of individuals, particularly those in power, to be influenced by eloquent speakers who may not have their best interests at heart. Just as a monarch can fall prey to flattering compliments that distort reality, people can be easily seduced by the charm and rhetoric of orators, leading to misguided decisions and a lack of critical thinking.
In practice
In a speech about the dangers of misinformation, a politician might reference this quote to highlight the importance of critical thinking.
Baptism is the sacrament of allegiance of them that are to be received into the Kingdom of God, that is to say, into Eternal life, that is to say, to Remission of Sin. For as Eternal life was lost by the committing, so it is recovered by the remitting of men's sins.
Force and fraud are in war the two cardinal virtues.
For it is not the shape, but their use, that makes them angels.
For to accuse requires less eloquence, such is man's nature, than to excuse; and condemnation, than absolution, more resembles justice.
Scientia potentia est, sed parva; quia scientia egregia rara est, nec proinde apparens nisi paucissimis, et in paucis rebus. Scientiae enim ea natura est, ut esse intelligi non possit, nisi ab illis qui sunt scientia praediti.
The end of knowledge is power ... the scope of all speculation is the performing of some action or thing to be done.
Those who have little interest in spirituality shouldn’t think that human inner values don’t apply to you. The inner peace of an alert and calm mind are the source of real happiness and good health. Our human intelligence tells us which of our emotions are positive and helpful and which are damaging and to be restrained or avoided.
To be silent the whole day long, see no newspaper, hear no radio, listen to no gossip, be thoroughly and completely lazy, thoroughly and completely indifferent to the fate of the world is the finest medicine a man can give himself.
At 49, I can say something I never would have said when I was a player. I am a better person because of my failures and disgraces.
Extreme remedies are very appropriate for extreme diseases.
The simple part is, every thought we think and every word we speak is creating our future. If you change your thinking, you can change your life.
Pride and excess bring disaster for man.
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