Some Fruits of Solitude By William Penn (1682) Part 27 #329-369 (Government)
Bonus:
Summary: William Penn does Nietzsche.
Commentary:
331. The first [Rex] is endanger'd by the Ambition of the Popular, which shakes the Constitution: The other by an ill Administration [Tyrannus], which hazards the Tyrant and his Family.
And they both lead into each other.
I think he read Nietzsche.
342. It is true, that where a Subject is more Popular than the Prince, the Prince is in Danger: But it is as true, that it is his own Fault: For no Body has the like Means, Interest or Reason, to be popular as He.
Penn wants you to stop sucking an use your bully pulpit.
343. It is an unaccountable thing, that some Princes incline rather to be fear'd than lov'd; when they see, that Fear does not oftener secure a Prince against the Dissatisfaction of his People, than Love makes a Subject too many for such a Prince.
He read him, but he disagrees with him.
350. The End of every thing should direct the Means: Now that of Government being the Good of the whole, nothing less should be the Aim of the Prince.
Penn is all about the ends not justifying the means.
A large chunk of this (most of 352-362) deals with the ministers, cabinet posts, etc., which is something you don't see as much government writing about (despite the fact that they probably do more than most chief execs). Basically, pick people who are moral and actually have relevant qualifications, and your government will do well.
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