"In every tyrant's heart there springs in the end this poison, that he cannot trust a friend"

This quote by Aeschylus speaks to the fundamental instability of autocrats. It suggests that, regardless of just how powerful a dictator may become, they will constantly be tormented by an ingrained anxiety that they can not trust any individual, also their closest close friends. This anxiety resembles a poisonous substance that slowly gnaws at them, and ultimately results in their downfall. It is a suggestion that also one of the most effective of authoritarians are at risk to the same human emotions as well as insecurities as every person else. It also serves as a cautioning to those who would certainly seek to become dictators, that they will certainly never ever be genuinely protected in their power, which their paranoia will eventually result in their downfall. Ultimately, this quote acts as a reminder that power does not always bring security, which even one of the most powerful of autocrats can be brought down by their very own instabilities.