"One leader, one people, signifies one master and millions of slaves"

Albert Camus' quote is a caution versus the risks of authoritarianism. He is cautioning against the concept of a single leader having outright power over a population. He is recommending that when one leader has control over an individuals, it creates a power imbalance that can result in oppression and exploitation. The quote suggests that the leader will have all the power and the people will be decreased to slaves, with no rights or autonomy. This is a plain suggestion of the possible repercussions of a single leader having excessive power. Camus is alerting us to be cautious of any leader who seeks to manage the masses, as it can cause a harmful situation where the people are deprived of their freedom and rights.