"It would be stupid tameness, and unaccountable folly, for whole nations to suffer one unreasonable, ambitious and cruel man, to wanton and riot in their misery"
About this Quote
Jonathan Mayhew's quote absolutely argues against the passive acceptance of tyranny. His use of the phrase "foolish tameness" recommends that a lack of resistance to despotism or authoritarian rulers is not simply ill-advised however foolishly passive. By including "unaccountable folly", Mayhew indicates that such passivity can not be rationalized or justified; it is a reckless and inexplicable type of behavior for a whole country to accept.
The expression "entire countries to suffer" highlights the substantial scale of the repercussions that come with permitting an autocrat to rule unattended. Mayhew is highlighting the cumulative predicament and excessive hardship experienced by societies under despotic regimes. This imagery of countless individuals handling unnecessary suffering serves to stimulate a sense of seriousness and common obligation amongst the governed.
Mayhew defines the oppressor as "an unreasonable, enthusiastic and vicious man", illustrating an autocrat who is driven by self-serving intentions and a ridicule for the wellness of others. The choice of those adjectives suggests that such a ruler is naturally unreasonable, recommending that their ambitions are misaligned with the common great and are instead concentrated on personal power and control. By pointing out these traits, Mayhew strengthens his argument for why resistance to such management is not simply optional but necessary.
The words "to wanton and riot in their anguish" paint a brilliant photo of an autocrat who enjoys and actively perpetuates the turmoil and suffering of others. The choice of "wanton" implies a sense of frivolity in the ruler's actions, as if causing damage is done recklessly and without care, while "riot" suggests condition and excess.
In general, Mayhew's message is a rallying cry versus tyranny. It encourages individuals and societies to unify in resistance, asserting that it is both irrational and irresponsible to enable a single person to impose suffering upon the masses. His words call for responsibility, activism, and a duty to stand against those who threaten the liberty and dignity of the people.