Power, Tyranny, Reason

An important political application of Spinoza's doctrine is suggested by "Human power is to be reckoned less by physical vigor than by mental strength" (Political Treatise, II, 11).  For, more precisely, where Self-Control is lacking, then, so, too, is control over anything else.  Thus, in the calculation of Power, no amount of wealth or weaponry can compensate a tyrant for susceptibility to anger, fear, greed, etc. i. e. for a deficiency of Reason.