Ralph Raico on self delusion of the masses

Machiavelli contends that mass of people prefer appearance to reality.  They prefer their fantasy to what actually exists.  If they knew what politics really was, they wouldn't have a good night's sleep for the rest of their lives.

~ Ralph Raico, The Struggle For Liberty: A Libertarian History of Political Thought, p. 258

2025

  

Edmund Morgan on the nature of government

Government requires make-believe.  Make believe that the king is divine, make believe that he can do no wrong or make believe that the voice of the people is the voice of God.  Make believe that the people have a voice or make believe that the representatives of the people are the people.  Make believe that governors are the servants of the people.  Make believe that all men are equal or make believe that they are not. 

~ Edmund S. Morgan, American historian (1916-2013)