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Power is okay, and stupidity is usually harmless. Power…

“Power is okay, and stupidity is usually harmless. Power and stupidity together are dangerous.” “I never said stupid,” Ben corrected me. “You’re clever.We both know that. But you can be thoughtless. A clever, thoughtless person is one of the most terrifying things there is.” quote by Patrick Rothfuss
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““Power is okay, and stupidity is usually harmless. Power and stupidity together are dangerous.” “I never said stupid,” Ben corrected me. “You’re clever.We both know that. But you can be thoughtless. A clever, thoughtless person is one of the most terrifying things there is.””

Patrick Rothfuss

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 stupidity together are dangerous; a clever but thoughtless person can be terrifying.

In simple terms: Intelligence without thought is risky.

Key Takeaway

Balance intellect with empathy.

Themes

power stupidity thoughtlessness danger

Mood

cautious thoughtful

Type

philosophical warning

When to use this quote

  • leadership roles
  • political decisions
  • team management

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics human behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you check your own thoughtlessness?
  • What safeguards prevent misuse of intellect?
A Different Perspective

Power can corrupt even the wise.

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