A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side. -- Aristotle 384 - 322 BCEAlmost frightening, eh? Almost...
On the subject of the nature of the gods, the first question is ‘Do the gods exist or do the not?’ It is difficult, you will say, to deny that they exist. I would agree if we were arguing the matter in a public assembly, but in a private discussion of this kind it is perfectly easy to do so. -- Cicero 106 – 43 BCE
Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful. -- Seneca 4 – 65 BCE
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Technorati tags: Philosophy
