Arbitrary Quote by Abigail Adams
“Arbitrary power is like most other things which are very hard, very liable to be broken.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Correspondence with John Adams, 1775
Power is fragile and easily broken, so it must be handled carefully.
In simple terms: Power is delicate and can break.
Key Takeaway
Treat power with caution.
Themes
authority
fragility
responsibility
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government decisions
- organizational leadership
- personal influence
Key Concepts
political theory
ethical leadership
risk management
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you safeguard fragile power?
- What checks ensure responsible use?
A Different Perspective
Power can be misused if not checked by accountability.
![“[I]f vice and corruption prevail, liberty cannot subsist; but if virtue have the advantage, arbitrary power cannot be established.” quote by Algernon Sidney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2ef/algernon-sidney-20606_advantage_i-f-vice-and-corruption-prevail-liberty_1785566.jpg)
![“Tis a Mistake to think this Fault [tyranny] is proper only to Monarchies; other Forms of Government are liable to it, as well as that. For where-ever the Power that is put in any hands for the Government of the People, and the Preservation of their Properties, is applied to other ends, and made…” quote by John Locke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/061/john-locke-814_arbitrary_tis-a-mistake-to-think-this-fault-tyrann_1921223.jpg)
