I dread our own power and our own ambition; I dread our…
“I dread our own power and our own ambition; I dread our being too much dreaded…We may say that we shall not abuse this astonishing and hitherto unheard-of-power. But every other nation will think we shall abuse it. It is impossible but that, sooner or later, this state of things must produce a combination against us which may end in our ruin.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Power and ambition can provoke fear and suspicion, leading to a cycle of abuse and retaliation that may ultimately cause downfall.
In simple terms: Power breeds fear and retaliation.
Key Takeaway
Beware unchecked ambition.
Themes
politics
power
fear
trust
security
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government policy
- international relations
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
realism
political theory
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a state manage power without inciting fear?
- What safeguards prevent misuse of power?
A Different Perspective
The quote assumes all nations will react uniformly, which may not hold true.