Good man Quote by Bernard Bailyn
““Power always and everywhere had had a pernicious, corrupting effect upon men. It "converts a good man in private life to a tyrant in office." It acts upon men like drink: it "is known to be intoxicating in its nature"—"too intoxicating and liable to abuse." And nothing within man is sufficiently strong to guard against these effects of power—certainly not "the united considerations of reason and religion," for they have never "been sufficiently powerful to restrain these lusts of men.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution, Bernard Bailyn, 1967
Power tends to corrupt, turning good private individuals into tyrannical officials, much like an intoxicating drink that overwhelms moral restraints.
In simple terms: Power corrupts and overwhelms moral safeguards.
Key Takeaway
Guard against power’s corrupting influence.
Themes
corruption
authority
human nature
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government leadership
- corporate management
- personal ambition
- legal oversight
Key Concepts
political theory
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions limit power’s corrupting influence?
- What personal habits protect against moral erosion?
A Different Perspective
Power’s effect can be mitigated by strong institutions and personal virtue.
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