---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is an old prerogative of kings to…"
description: "\"It is an old prerogative of kings to govern everything but their passions.\" — Charles Dickens"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d90/charles-dickens-34_funny_it-is-an-old-prerogative-of-kings-to-gov_1519339.jpg"
---

#  It is an old prerogative of kings to govern everything but…

![“It is an old prerogative of kings to govern everything but their passions.” quote by Charles Dickens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d90/charles-dickens-34_funny_it-is-an-old-prerogative-of-kings-to-gov_1519339.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d90/charles-dickens-34_funny_it-is-an-old-prerogative-of-kings-to-gov_1519339.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d90/charles-dickens-34_funny_it-is-an-old-prerogative-of-kings-to-gov_1519339.jpg)

> “It is an old prerogative of kings to govern everything but their passions.”

[Charles Dickens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-dickens/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Kings often control external affairs but cannot control their own emotions, highlighting the limits of power over inner life.

**In simple terms:** Power cannot master feelings.

Key Takeaway

Recognize emotional limits.

Themes

power emotion leadership

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

- political leadership
- personal relationships
- stress management

Key Concepts

self‑control human nature

Questions to Reflect On

- How do leaders manage personal passions?
- Can power be used to temper emotions?

A Different Perspective

Emotions may still dominate decisions.

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