Liber III, Pars II — Quod tyrannis est pessimus principatus, et quod summe debent cavere reges et principes, ne eorum dominium in tyrannidem convertatur. Cap. VII.

Liber III, Pars II — Quod tyrannis est pessimus principatus, et quod summe debent cavere reges et principes, ne eorum dominium in tyrannidem convertatur. Cap. VII.

There are four ways in which we can recognize that tyranny is the worst form of rule. The first is that such a dominion greatly departs from the intention of the common good. The second is that it is extremely unnatural. The third is that it is most effective at causing harm. The fourth is that it has the greatest capacity to hinder the good of the citizens. The first way is clear. For if a king rules, he does not depart from the intention of the common good; because a king is only a king if he is virtuous and intends the common good. Thus, it follows. It is said that to rule in such a way is like dividing the principality among many. Or (which is the same) it is like ruling over a multitude, because in such a principality the good of many is intended. Thus, even if many dominate, whether they are rich or believed to be virtuous, or if the whole people dominate, given that those in power intend only their own good, they do not completely depart from the intention of the common good, since there are many who are ruling; however, the good of many is, in a way, a common good. But if a tyrant rules, since he is the only one in power and intends only his own good, he completely departs from the intention of the common good. Therefore, a principality is not right unless it is, in some way, divinely oriented, and because in it the common good, which is more divine than any singular good, should primarily be intended; thus, tyranny is a worse principality, the more it departs from the intention of the common good. This reasoning is addressed by the Philosopher in Book 4. In the Politics, he states that just as a kingdom is the best and most worthy form of government, so tyranny is the worst: the reason for this is (as it is stated there) that tyranny is farthest from the common good. In the same work, he says that just as a kingdom is the best and most worthy form of government, so tyranny is the worst: the reason for this is (as it is stated there) that tyranny is farthest from the common good. The second way to investigate this same matter is taken from the fact that such a dominion is most natural. For it is a natural operation toward something when it acts in a way that is fitting for it to act: therefore, a kingdom operates naturally when the people living under it are governed in a way that is suitable for them to be governed. However, this reasoning is addressed by the philosopher in the same work. In the Politics, he states that tyranny is the worst form of government because no free person willingly supports such a regime. The third way is derived from the fact that such a government is most effective at causing harm. For just as the kingship is most effective for good because it is united, so tyranny is most effective for harm. For a monarchy is good because there is one ruler, and virtue is united there; therefore, it is either the best or the worst form of government. This reasoning is also touched upon by the philosopher in the fifth book of the Politics, where he states that tyranny is the extreme form of oligarchy, that is, the worst, because it is most harmful to the subjects. The fourth way is derived from the fact that such a dominion hinders the greatest goods of the citizens. For a tyrant not only brings harm to those who are in his realm, but also actively seeks to obstruct their greatest goods. The Philosopher touches on this in Book 5. In the Politics, he states that tyranny is the worst form of rule, because no free person willingly endures such a government. The tyrant seeks to obstruct three greatest goods. Namely, peace, virtues, and knowledge. For tyrants do not want their citizens to have peace and mutual harmony; furthermore, they do not want them to be noble and virtuous; nor do they wish for them to be wise and disciplined. Therefore, tyrants impede these aforementioned goods in their citizens; this will be discussed further below. For now, it suffices to know that tyranny is the worst form of rule for the reasons already discussed. What kings and princes must diligently avoid is not difficult to see: they should not fall into the tyranny of rule. For a ruler is so much worse as he rules under a more oppressive dominion; therefore, if a king must exercise all diligence to avoid being the worst, he must take great care not to rule through tyranny, which is the worst form of governance.