If the power of government be very extensive, and the subjects of it have, consequently, little power over their own actions, that government is tyrannical, and oppressive; whether, with respect to its form, it be a monarchy, an aristocracy, or even a republic.

— Joseph Priestley Essay on the First Principles of Government, 2nd Edition (1771)

More quotes by Joseph Priestley

An History of the Corruptions of Christianity (1782)

The History and Present State of Electricity (1767)

An History of the Corruptions of Christianity (1782)

Institutes of Natural and Revealed Religion (1772)

Essay on the First Principles of Government, 2nd Edition (1771)

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