I delight to lodge in such temples as are not regularly kept closed. None of the gods reject me; they make me partner of their roof.
Apollonius Of TyanaRead
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.
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.
More from Apollonius Of Tyana
All quotes →A man must fortify himself and understand that a wise man who yields to laziness or anger or passion or love of drink, or who commits any other action prompted by impulse and inopportune, will probably find his fault condoned; but if he stoops to greed, he will not be pardoned, but render himself odious as a combination of all vices at once.
Apollonius Of TyanaRead
Never may a man prone to believe scandal be a despot or a popular leader! Under his guidance, democracy itself will be despotism.
Apollonius Of TyanaRead
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.
Apollonius Of TyanaRead
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.
Apollonius Of TyanaRead
O ye gods, grant unto me to have little and to want nothing.
Apollonius Of TyanaRead
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