Abandon Quote by Edmund Burke
“Those who have been intoxicated with power... can never willingly abandon it.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents, 1790
Power intoxicates, making relinquishment unlikely.
In simple terms: Power corrupts and is hard to give up.
Key Takeaway
Beware of power’s grip.
Themes
politics
power
corruption
human nature
control
Mood
critical
philosophical
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- government transition
- corporate takeover
- personal ambition
- reform movements
Key Concepts
political theory
ethical leadership
self‑interest
Questions to Reflect On
- Can power ever be relinquished willingly?
- What safeguards prevent power abuse?
A Different Perspective
Power can be used responsibly by some.
