Skip to content

In order to get the power and retain it, it is necessary…

“In order to get the power and retain it, it is necessary to love power; but love of power is not connected with goodness, but with qualities which are the opposite of goodness, such as pride, cunning, cruelty.” quote by Leo Tolstoy
Download Open image
“In order to get the power and retain it, it is necessary to love power; but love of power is not connected with goodness, but with qualities which are the opposite of goodness, such as pride, cunning, cruelty.”

Leo Tolstoy

About This Quote

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

Power attracts love, but love of power is linked to negative traits like pride, cunning, and cruelty, not goodness.

In simple terms: Loving power leads to vice, not virtue.

Key Takeaway

Beware of seeking power for love.

Themes

power morality politics

Mood

cautionary analytical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • leadership roles
  • political campaigns
  • organizational hierarchies

Key Concepts

corruption pride cunning cruelty

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motivates your desire for power?
  • How can power be exercised ethically?
A Different Perspective

Power can be used responsibly with ethical frameworks.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Leo Tolstoy

Explore all 1,754 Leo Tolstoy quotes

More Connected quotes

Browse all 2,295 Connected quotes