44 The basis of all perversity in opinions and attitudes is confusing the ends with the means.

45 Certainly, most revolutionaries have not known exactly what they wanted: order or disorder.

46 Revolutions are more a proof against the true energy of a nation. There is an energy from sickness and weakness that is more violent than true energy; unfortunately, it ceases with even greater weakness.

47 When one judges a whole nation one usually judges the especially conspicuous, striking part of it.

48 No argument is stronger against the old system of government than what one can make against the disproportionate strength of the various parts of the state, which especially comes to the fore in a revolution. Its administration must have been gravely faulty that many parts could become deficient and such deep-seated weakness took root everywhere.

49 The weaker the part the more it inclines to disorder and infection.

50 What are slaves? Completely weakened, compromised human beings. What are sultans? Slaves aroused through strong stimuli. How do sultans and slaves end? Violently. The former easily as slaves, the latter easily as sultans, that is, frenetic and insane. How can we cure slaves? Through very cautious emancipation and enlightenment. We must treat them like those suffering from frostbite. And sultans? In the manner that Dionysus and Croesus were cured. One began with shock, fasting, and monastic discipline and gradually increased restoratives [and tonics]. Sultans and slaves were extremes.