Rulers

Famous quotes containing the word rulers:

    To the rulers of the state then, if to any, it belongs of right to use falsehood, to deceive either enemies or their own citizens, for the good of the state: and no one else may meddle with this privilege.
    Plato (c. 427–347 B.C.)

    Of the best rulers The people only know that they exist; The next best they love and praise The next they fear; And the next they revile. When they do not command the people’s faith, Some will lose faith in them, And then they resort to oaths! But of the best when their task is accomplished, their work done, The people all remark, “We have done it ourselves.”
    Lao-Tzu (6th century B.C.)

    They lived under a just and moderate government, and they admitted that one bond of their fidelity was that their rulers were the better men.
    Titus Livius (Livy)