Assurance Quote by C. S. Lewis
“What assurance have we that our masters will or can keep the promise which induced us to sell ourselves? Let us not be deceived by phrases about 'Man taking charge of his own destiny'. All that can really happen is that some men will take charge of the destiny of the others. They will be simply men; none perfect; some greedy, cruel and dishonest. The more completely we are planned the more powerful they will be. Have we discovered some new reason why, this time, power should not corrupt as it has done before?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Abolition of Man, C. S. Lewis, 1943
Power tends to corrupt, and those who claim to free us often become the new oppressors.
In simple terms: Power corrupts; promised freedom may be illusion.
Key Takeaway
Question authority, seek true autonomy.
Themes
power
corruption
freedom
authority
human nature
Mood
cautious
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
warning
When to use this quote
- political movements
- corporate governance
- personal decision‑making
- activism
- education reform
Key Concepts
political philosophy
ethics
social control
Questions to Reflect On
- Who truly holds power over your destiny?
- How can societies guard against new elites?
A Different Perspective
Even well‑intentioned leaders can become tyrants when unchecked.
