Men in great place are thrice servants; servants of the…
“Men in great place are thrice servants; servants of the sovereign state, servants of fame, and servants of business; so as they have no freedom, neither in their persons, nor in their actions, nor in their times. It is a strange desire to seek power and to lose liberty; or to seek power over others, and to lose power over a man's self.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Power brings multiple obligations that erode personal freedom, leading to loss of autonomy in life and actions.
In simple terms: Power limits freedom.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the cost of power on liberty.
Themes
politics
freedom
responsibility
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government leadership
- corporate management
- public office
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
social contract
authority
autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance authority with personal liberty?
- Can power be exercised without sacrificing freedom?
A Different Perspective
Power can also enable positive change despite constraints.