In order to obtain and hold power a man must love it. Thus…
“In order to obtain and hold power a man must love it. Thus the effort to get it is not likely to be coupled with goodness, but with the opposite qualities of pride, craft and cruelty.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Power corrupts; those who seek it often do so for selfish reasons, leading to pride, manipulation, and cruelty rather than virtue.
In simple terms: Power attracts selfishness.
Key Takeaway
Beware the lure of power.
Themes
politics
ethics
human nature
Mood
cautionary
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- Leadership
- corporate ambition
- government
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
Corruption
pride
craft
cruelty
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can prevent power abuse?
- Can power ever be used altruistically?
A Different Perspective
Good intentions can be compromised by desire for control.