Next to enjoying ourselves, the next greatest pleasure…
““Next to enjoying ourselves, the next greatest pleasure consists in preventing others from enjoying themselves, or, more generally, in the acquisition of power. Consequently those who live under the dominion of Puritanism become exceedingly desirous of power. Now love of power does far more harm than love of drink or any of the other vices against which Puritans protest. Of course, in virtuous people love of power camouflages itself as love of doing good, but this makes very little difference to its social effects. It merely means that we punish our victims for being wicked, instead of for being our enemies. In either case, tyranny and war result. Moral indignation is one of the most harmful forces in the modern world, the more so as it can always be diverted to sinister uses by those who control propaganda.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The desire for power is a destructive pleasure, often hidden as moral intent, leading to tyranny and war.
In simple terms: Power cravings cause harm, even when disguised as good.
Key Takeaway
Beware hidden motives behind power pursuits.
Themes
power
politics
morality
human nature
Mood
critical
cautious
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- corporate leadership
- activist movements
- media messaging
Key Concepts
psychology of domination
propaganda
social control
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms can limit power abuse?
- How can societies differentiate genuine good from power‑driven agendas?
A Different Perspective
Power can be used for positive change if checked.