Richard Jefferies Quotes

All men would be tyrants if they could.

Power acquired by violence is only a usurpation, and lasts only as long as the force of him who commands prevails over that of those who obey.

Necessity, the tyrant's plea.

Whoever desired to enjoy money, lands, or even life itself, was under the necessity of obeying the kings nod in all things. Alas! How much it is to be lamented that any man, who is but a worm and dust, should … arrive at such a height of pride as to trample on all the rest of mankind.

The doctrine of blind obedience and unqualified submission to any human power, whether civil or ecclesiastical, is the doctrine of despotism, and ought to have no place among Republicans and Christians.

Any excuse will serve a tyrant.

Few men desire liberty; most men wish only for a just master.

The tyrant is only the slave turned inside out.

… the tools of despotism and corruption

The power of the master must be absolute to render the submission of the slave perfect.

Those who fear men like laws.

The tyranny of some is possible only through the cowardice of others.

none can be Tyrants but Cowards.

Conquerors never, never conquer a nation to bring freedom. They brought control.

Whoever is new to power is always harsh.

If I were dictator, I'd have a catch-all crime of disrespect.

A good deal of tyranny goes by the name of protection.

The strength and power of despotism consists wholly in the fear of resistance.

Tyrants seldom want pretexts.

God cannot approve of a system of servitude, in which the master is guilty of assuming absolute power - of assuming God's place and relation towards his fellow-men.

Tyrants are seldom free; the cares and the instruments of their tyranny enslave them.

The scum of the People are most Tyrannical when they get the Power, and treat their Betters with the greatest Insolence.

Nature has left this tincture in the blood, That all men would be tyrants if they could.

What I fear most is power with impunity. I fear abuse of power, and the power to abuse.

I fear that, tired of anarchy, you may hope at the end for a return of oppression and that you may welcome the yoke of the first fortunate adventurer who shows up, who, far from consolidating your destiny, will only prolong your servitude