--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A fondness for power is implanted in most…" description: "\"A fondness for power is implanted in most men, and it is natural to abuse it when acquired. This maxim, drawn from the experience of all ages, makes it..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/161/alexander-hamilton-619_abuse_a-fondness-for-power-is-implanted-in-mos_2655687.jpg" --- # A fondness for power is implanted in most men, and it is… ![“A fondness for power is implanted in most men, and it is natural to abuse it when acquired. This maxim, drawn from the experience of all ages, makes it the height of folly to intrust any set of men with power which is not under every possible control; perpetual strides are made after more as long…” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/161/alexander-hamilton-619_abuse_a-fondness-for-power-is-implanted-in-mos_2655687.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/161/alexander-hamilton-619_abuse_a-fondness-for-power-is-implanted-in-mos_2655687.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/161/alexander-hamilton-619_abuse_a-fondness-for-power-is-implanted-in-mos_2655687.jpg) > “A fondness for power is implanted in most men, and it is natural to abuse it when acquired. This maxim, drawn from the experience of all ages, makes it the height of folly to intrust any set of men with power which is not under every possible control; perpetual strides are made after more as long as there is any part withheld.” [Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-hamilton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Power naturally tempts misuse; entrusting it to any group without strict checks is foolish, as it invites abuse and requires constant vigilance. **In simple terms:** Power can corrupt; oversight is essential. Key Takeaway Implement strong checks on authority. Themes politics authority corruption Mood cautious critical Type political philosophical When to use this quote - government policy - leadership decisions - institutional design Key Concepts checks and balances human nature trust Questions to Reflect On - Who should hold power? - How can oversight be ensured? A Different Perspective Absolute control is impossible; power dynamics shift. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Abuse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/abuse/) [Age](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/age/) [Folly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/folly/) [Fondness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fondness/) [Human nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-nature/) [Maxims](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/maxims/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power/) ## Related quotes > [A fondness for power is implanted in most men, and it is natural to abuse it when acquired.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-hamilton/a-fondness-for-power-is-implanted-in-most-men-and-it-is-natural-to/) [Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-hamilton/) > [Men have more power to hide their pain than a women](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/men-have-more-power-to-hide-their-pain-than-a-women/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The problem of power is how to achieve its responsible use rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use; of how to get men of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/the-problem-of-power-is-how-to-achieve-its-responsible-use-rather/) [John F. 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