Algernon Sidney

1622–1683
Nationality: English
Historical Period: The Early Modern Period
Algernon Sidney (1622-1683) was a radical English republican political theorist who challenged Filmer’s theory of the divine right of kings. He was executed for treason in 1683.
Quotes from Algernon Sidney:
- Algernon Sidney on rendering unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s
- Algernon Sidney on de facto vs. de jure political power
- Algernon Sidney on how the absolute state treats its people
- Algernon Sidney argues that a law that is not just is not a law
- Algernon Sidney on the need for the law to be “deaf, inexorable, inflexible” and not subject to the arbitrary will of the ruler
- Algernon Sidney argues that liberty is a gift of nature and exists prior to any government
- Algernon Sidney’s Motto was that his Hand (i.e. his pen) was an Enemy to all Tyrants
Titles from Algernon Sidney: