Skip to content

Every man Quote by André Malraux

“...For that matter, men are perhaps indifferent to power… What fascinates them in this idea, you see, is not real power, it's the illusion of being able to do exactly as they please. The king's power is the power to govern, isn't it? But man has no urge to govern--he has an urge to compel, as you…” quote by André Malraux
Download Open image
““...For that matter, men are perhaps indifferent to power… What fascinates them in this idea, you see, is not real power, it's the illusion of being able to do exactly as they please. The king's power is the power to govern, isn't it? But man has no urge to govern--he has an urge to compel, as you said. To be more than a man, in a world of men. To escape man's fate, I was saying. Not powerful--all-powerful. The visionary disease, of which the will to power is only the intellectual justification, is the will to god-head--every man dreams of being god.””

André Malraux

About This Quote

The passage critiques the illusion of power, suggesting true power is governance, while many crave god‑like control.

In simple terms: Power is often an illusion; true power is governance.

Key Takeaway

Seek genuine responsibility over illusionary control.

Themes

philosophy politics human nature

Mood

analytical critical

Type

essay philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • academic essays
  • leadership training

Key Concepts

authority illusion governance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does true power mean to you?
  • How does the desire for god‑like control affect society?
A Different Perspective

May be overly abstract for lay readers.

2.2 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by André Malraux

Explore all 98 André Malraux quotes

More Every man quotes

Browse all 3,342 Every man quotes