New Delhi, July 20 -- "A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side." - Aristotle

LiveMint's quote of the day by the Greek philosopher Aristotle serves as a timeless warning to the public: beware of leaders who loudly and uncharacteristically broadcast their religious devotion, especially when their actual governance is authoritarian.

Piety is often not a reflection of their soul, but a calculated armour designed to prevent scrutiny and silence dissent.

Aristotle is not talking about genuine faith; he is tal...