Ambition Quote by Benjamin Disraeli
“It is a great mistake to suppose that bribery and corruption, although they may be very convenient for gratifying the ambition or the vanity of individuals, have any great effect upon the fortunes or the power of parties. And it is a great mistake to suppose that bribery and corruption are means by which power can either be ob-tained or retained.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Parliamentary Address, Benjamin Disraeli, 1869
Bribery and corruption are ineffective tools for gaining or maintaining true political power; they merely serve personal vanity without lasting impact.
In simple terms: Corruption doesn't truly secure power; it's short‑term and self‑serving.
Key Takeaway
Focus on legitimate influence rather than illicit shortcuts.
Themes
politics
ethics
power
integrity
Mood
cautious
hopeful
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- campaigns
- legislative negotiations
- policy making
Key Concepts
institutional decay
public trust
short‑term gain
Questions to Reflect On
- Can honest leadership succeed without compromise?
- What safeguards prevent corruption from taking root?
A Different Perspective
Corruption can still sway outcomes in weak institutions.
