He who, when he hath the power, doeth not good, when he…
“He who, when he hath the power, doeth not good, when he loses the means will suffer distress. There is not a more unfortunate wretch than the oppressor; for in the day of adversity nobody is his friend.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Those with power who fail to act good become isolated; misfortune follows oppressors who lose support.
In simple terms: Power without good deeds leads to loneliness.
Key Takeaway
Act justly when you have power.
Themes
justice
power
loneliness
adversity
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
moral
reflective
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- community building
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
morality
social contract
reputation
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities accompany power?
- How can oppressors regain trust?
A Different Perspective
Even powerful people may suffer if they lack allies.