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Power is tempting, and in a sense no power is greater than…

“Power is tempting, and in a sense no power is greater than the ability to take someone’s life. Once under way, mass killing is hard to stop; it becomes a kind of sport, like hunting. Congo” quote by Adam Hochschild
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““Power is tempting, and in a sense no power is greater than the ability to take someone’s life. Once under way, mass killing is hard to stop; it becomes a kind of sport, like hunting. Congo””

Adam Hochschild

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Power over life can become a compulsive, destructive sport, hard to halt once begun.

In simple terms: Power over life can become a dangerous game.

Key Takeaway

Beware the lure of unchecked authority.

Themes

power violence ethics history

Mood

grim reflective

Type

cautionary historical

When to use this quote

  • political leadership
  • military command
  • law enforcement
  • conflict zones

Key Concepts

authoritarianism moral decay human rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does society check lethal authority?
  • What safeguards prevent power from becoming sport?
A Different Perspective

Even with power, moral restraint can fail without accountability.

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