Galina Valentinovna Grinenko. History of philosophy (№ 466458)

If necessary, the monarch can and must use extremely cruel measures, for example, to resettle entire nations, destroy old cities and build new ones, make the rich poor and the poor rich. All measures are justified when it comes to maintaining stability and order in the state. So, if there is at least the possibility of a riot, then it is better to execute in advance several dozen innocent people who could lead it, than to allow the riot itself, in which thousands will probably die.