Cassius Dio

Cassius Dio (Greco-Roman statesman and historian, c. 163-235 CE)

"Most men are not kept within the bounds of moderation by mere admonition, or even by example; it is absolutely necessary to punish them by disfranchisement, by exile, or by death."

• From Cassius Dio's The Roman History (Book 52, chapter 7), translated by Ian Scott-Kilvert (Penguin Classics, 1987). Dio wrote this quote in the character of Agrippa for a scene where Octavian was hearing advice from his advisors before deciding if Rome should become a democracy or remain dictatorial.

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Han Fei Tzu

Han Fei Tzu (c. 280-233 BCE)

"Those who fail to change old ways are often in fact prolonging the course of disorder, while those who strive to gratify the people are after some selfish and evil end."

• From Han Fei Tzu's Basic Writings translated by Burton Watson.

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Han Fei Tzu

Han Fei Tzu (c. 280-233 BCE)

• This ancient Chinese philosopher wrote bluntly about his admiration for Legalism and Authoritarianism. 

"Be empty, still, and idle, and from your place of darkness observe the defects in others."

• From Han Fei Tzu's Basic Writings translated by Burton Watson - Specifically, The Way of the Ruler.

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