Final answer:
Absolute rulers often suppress freedoms and can lead to corruption due to a lack of accountability. Historical examples include Stalin and Hitler, who ruled through fear and led to immense suffering.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reflecting on the effectiveness of a state run by an absolute ruler, one observes that such governance often comes with significant downsides. For instance, absolute rulers commonly suppress freedom of speech and individual rights, which is particularly damaging to ideals of liberty and democracy. Additionally, these rulers can lead to a climate of corruption and mismanagement due to the absence of accountability. Without checks on power, resources may be siphoned for the benefit of the few rather than the prosperity of the many.
In a historical context, two vivid examples of the "ugly" aspects of absolute rule include notorious dictators such as Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler, both of whom carried out oppressive policies through fear and intimidation, leading to widespread suffering and loss of life. Although this form of governance might occasionally see improvements in living conditions, as has been observed in some modern absolute monarchies in the Middle East and Africa, the potential for abuse of power presents a grave risk to the welfare of the populace.