But the chief penalty is to be governed by someone worse if a man will not himself hold office and rule.

Summary

This quote suggests that individuals who abstain from taking up leadership roles and governing themselves are at a greater disadvantage. The "chief penalty" refers to the negative consequences that arise from being subjected to the rule of someone inferior in quality or ability. By refusing to actively participate in governing and holding office, one exposes themselves to potentially being governed by an individual who may lack competence or make decisions that are not in line with their own interests. Hence, the quote implies that active participation in leadership is preferable to being governed by someone worse.

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