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.
There are three principal means of acquiring knowledge... observation of nature, reflection, and experimentation. Observation collects facts; reflection combines them; experimentation verifies the result of that combination.
In order to get as much fame as one's father one has to much more able than he.
All abstract sciences are nothing but the study of relations between signs.
What is a monster? A being whose survival is incompatible with the existing order.
Dwell in peace in the home of your own being, and the Messenger of Death will not be able to touch you.
Historical capitalism is a materialist civilization.
Better to be a beggar in freedom than to be forced into compromises against my conscience.
To practice Aikido fully you must calm the spirit and go back to the origin.
Food, in the end, in our own tradition, is something holy. It's not about nutrients and calories. It's about sharing. It's about honesty. It's about identity.
Intolerance is a species of violence and therefore against our creed.
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