Those who are capable of tyranny are capable of perjury to sustain it

Those who are capable of tyranny are capable of perjury to sustain it

Lysander Spooner, a 19th-century American political philosopher and abolitionist, was a staunch advocate for individual rights and limited government. He believed that those in power were capable of using any means necessary to maintain their authority, including lying under oath. Spooner's quote, "Those who are capable of tyranny are capable of perjury to sustain it," speaks to his deep distrust of government and its ability to abuse power.

Spooner's views on tyranny and perjury were shaped by his experiences living in a society where government officials often acted in their own self-interest rather than in the interest of the people they were supposed to serve. He saw firsthand how those in power would manipulate the truth, bend the rules, and even break the law to maintain their control over the population. Spooner believed that the only way to combat this abuse of power was through vigilance and holding those in authority accountable for their actions.

In Spooner's eyes, tyranny and perjury were two sides of the same coin. Those who were willing to oppress others and trample on their rights were also willing to lie and deceive to cover up their wrongdoing. He understood that power corrupts, and that those who held power were often willing to do whatever it took to maintain their grip on that power, even if it meant resorting to dishonesty and deceit.

Spooner's quote is a warning to all who value freedom and justice. It serves as a reminder that we must always be wary of those in positions of authority and hold them accountable for their actions. We cannot blindly trust those who hold power, as they may be willing to sacrifice truth and integrity in order to maintain their control over us.