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Though the Laputians generally seem unable to apply their knowledge to practical effect, the astronomers’ use of their skills to navigate the island stands out as an exception. Still, the practical effect—that is, controlling the kingdom below through the elevated physical motion of the island—is perhaps not so laudable. The king’s method of ruling his kingdom is a clear abuse of physical power and the mark of a dysfunctional state. Indeed, the kingdom’s subjects don’t respect the king and see him as the selfish, pathetic tyrant that he is. Though the king thinks his lies about his leniency convince the listeners of his nobility, his subjects see straight through his deception. The Laputian king's abuse of power also comments on the way that those who pursue high-minded theory or philosophy are often just as, or more, corrupt and power-hungry than the less theoretically minded.