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 (ca. 384-322 B.C.E.)
Greek philosopher
-- Politics, (from James A. Haught, ed., 2000 Years of Disbelief)