"Tyranny and anarchy are never far apart"
- Jeremy Bentham
About this Quote
This quote by Jeremy Bentham is a warning about the dangers of unattended power. He is recommending that when someone or group has too much power, it can lead to tyranny, or oppressive rule. On the other hand, when there is no power or authority, it can cause anarchy, or turmoil. Bentham is alerting that these two extremes are often carefully linked, and that it is very important to find a balance in between them. He is suggesting that too much power can lead to tyranny, while insufficient power can cause anarchy. He is stressing the importance of finding a balance in between the two, as both extremes can be unsafe. This quote serves as a suggestion that it is very important to ensure that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few, which it is necessary to have checks and balances in place to guarantee that power is not abused.
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