Book Quote by Eliezer Yudkowsky
“I only want power so I can get books.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Ethics of Power”, 2012
Desire for power is justified only when it serves a higher purpose, such as acquiring knowledge.
In simple terms: Power should serve a purpose like learning.
Key Takeaway
Align power with meaningful goals.
Themes
power
knowledge
ethics
Mood
inquisitive
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- library funding
- educational NGOs
Key Concepts
instrumental rationality
goal alignment
Questions to Reflect On
- What higher purpose guides your pursuit of power?
- Is power necessary for knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Power can corrupt if not checked.
![“Everybody wants power. Power in some form or other. [...] Some people want power to persecute other human beings; you expend your lust for power in persecuting words, twisting them, molding them, torturing them to obey you.” quote by Aldous Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/368/aldous-huxley-97_lust-for-power_everybody-wants-power-power-in-some-form_454453.jpg)
