Tyranny
A tyrant (Greek τύραννος, tyrannos) was originally one who used the power of the populace in an unconventional way to seize and control governmental power in a polis. Tyrants were a group of individuals who took over many Greek poleis during the uprising of the middle classes in the sixth and seventh centuries BC, ousting the aristocratic governments. Plato and Aristotle define a tyrant as, "one who rules without law, looks to his own advantage rather than that of his subjects, and uses extreme and cruel tactics—against his own people as well as others".
Read more about Tyranny.
Famous quotes containing the word tyranny:
“I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)
“Then hail! thou noble conquerer!
That, when tyranny oppressed,
Hewed for our fathers from the wild
A land wherein to rest.”
—Mary Elizabeth Hewitt (b. 1818)
“The word “obligation” is very seldom in my thoughts, and consequently very seldom is it uttered by my tongue. For I am satisfied that whoever hath the word “obligation” continually in his mouth hath the love of tyranny steadily fixed in his heart.”
—Sarah Fielding (1710–1768)