--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Power is neither good nor evil, but its…" description: "\"Power is neither good nor evil, but its user makes it so.\" — Erin Hunter" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b3a/erin-hunter-787_evil_power-is-neither-good-nor-evil-but-its-u_2569970.png" --- # Power is neither good nor evil, but its user makes it so. ![“Power is neither good nor evil, but its user makes it so.” quote by Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b3a/erin-hunter-787_evil_power-is-neither-good-nor-evil-but-its-u_2569970.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b3a/erin-hunter-787_evil_power-is-neither-good-nor-evil-but-its-u_2569970.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b3a/erin-hunter-787_evil_power-is-neither-good-nor-evil-but-its-u_2569970.png) > “Power is neither good nor evil, but its user makes it so.” [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Power itself is neutral; moral value depends on the intentions and actions of those who wield it. **In simple terms:** Power is neutral, users decide its morality. Key Takeaway Consider the ethics of your influence. Themes ethics power responsibility Mood thoughtful serious Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - leadership - politics - personal relationships - business decisions Key Concepts moral philosophy agency Questions to Reflect On - How do you ensure your power serves good? - What safeguards can prevent abuse? A Different Perspective Power can be misused despite good intentions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Evil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evil/) [Evil User](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evil-user-1682618/) [Good evil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-evil/) [Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power/) [Power Good](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power-good-281355/) [User Makes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/user-makes-1682619/) [Users](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/users/) ## Related quotes > [“Power is neither good or evil, it just depends on how you choose to use it.-Rock, cats of the clans”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/power-is-neither-good-or-evil-it-just-depends-on-how-you-choose-to/) [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) > [There's no greater power than the power of good-bye.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/madonna-ciccone/there-s-no-greater-power-than-the-power-of-good-bye/) [Madonna Ciccone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/madonna-ciccone/) > [Money is power. Every good man and woman ought to strive for power, to do good with it when obtained. I say, get rich,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/russell-conwell/money-is-power-every-good-man-and-woman-ought-to-strive-for-power-to/) [Russell Conwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/russell-conwell/) > [You cannot have power for good without having power for evil too. Even mother's milk nourishes murderers as well as heroes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-bernard-shaw/you-cannot-have-power-for-good-without-having-power-for-evil-too-even/) [George Bernard Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-bernard-shaw/) > [“Doing good in this world, and being kind and being honest and noble is really underrated. And I think you have... I think everyday…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-hiddleston/doing-good-in-this-world-and-being-kind-and-being-honest-and-noble-is/) [Tom Hiddleston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-hiddleston/) > [The search for power begins when we're quite young. As children, were taught that the power of good triumphs over the power of evil.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/desperate-housewives/the-search-for-power-begins-when-we-re-quite-young-as-children-were/) [Desperate Housewives](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/desperate-housewives/) > [“Power could be good, but it could also be bad. It was up to the user, and as power increased, it sometimes had a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shayne-silvers/power-could-be-good-but-it-could-also-be-bad-it-was-up-to-the-user/) [Shayne Silvers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shayne-silvers/) > [While you live, while it is in your power, be good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-aurelius/while-you-live-while-it-is-in-your-power-be-good/) [Marcus Aurelius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-aurelius/) > [“I will do everything in my power to be good for you,”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarina-bowen/i-will-do-everything-in-my-power-to-be-good-for-you/) [Sarina Bowen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarina-bowen/) > [We must face the fact that peace must be built on power, as well as upon good will and good deeds.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harry-s-truman/we-must-face-the-fact-that-peace-must-be-built-on-power-as-well-as/) [Harry S. Truman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harry-s-truman/) > [Never underestimate the power of a good story.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/never-underestimate-the-power-of-a-good-story/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The power of good film is being there in the moment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-kotlowitz/the-power-of-good-film-is-being-there-in-the-moment/) [Alex Kotlowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-kotlowitz/) > [Power to do good is the true and lawful act of aspiring; for good thoughts (though God accept them), yet towards men are little…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-locke/power-to-do-good-is-the-true-and-lawful-act-of-aspiring-for-good/) [John Locke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-locke/) > [This women's moment to embrace the power-to for good in life and leadership.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gloria-feldt/this-women-s-moment-to-embrace-the-power-to-for-good-in-life-and/) [Gloria Feldt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gloria-feldt/) > [Give a truly good person power, and they’re still a good person. Give a bad person power, and they’re still a bad person. The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurell-k-hamilton/give-a-truly-good-person-power-and-they-re-still-a-good-person-give-a/) [Laurell K. Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurell-k-hamilton/) ## More by Erin Hunter > [“If no cat has more to say, we should end this Gathering,” Firestar meowed. “Fine by me,” Blackstar replied. Onestar and Leopardstar nodded.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/if-no-cat-has-more-to-say-we-should-end-this-gathering-firestar/) [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) > [I have to stay here and bury her," he whispered. "Here, between RiverClan and ThunderClan. After this, not even her own Clan will want…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/i-have-to-stay-here-and-bury-her-he-whispered-here-between-riverclan/) [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) > [This is a path that you follow alone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/this-is-a-path-that-you-follow-alone/) [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) > [“if a fox attacks her? She’s only learned basic battle moves. She may have been gone all night. I should have kept a closer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/if-a-fox-attacks-her-she-s-only-learned-basic-battle-moves-she-may/) [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) > [“We cannot change our destiny, we just have to have the courage to know what it is, and accept it." - Cinderpelt”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/we-cannot-change-our-destiny-we-just-have-to-have-the-courage-to-know/) [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) > [“We should have learned by now not to be surprised by kittypets." Graystripe”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/we-should-have-learned-by-now-not-to-be-surprised-by-kittypets/) [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) > [“Ivypool backed away. She twisted and ducked under him as he leaped, but his claws sank into her tail and pinned her to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/ivypool-backed-away-she-twisted-and-ducked-under-him-as-he-leaped-but/) [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) > [Darkness, air, water, and sky will come together... and shake the forest to its roots.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/darkness-air-water-and-sky-will-come-together-and-shake-the-forest-to/) [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) > [“Fire alone can save our clan”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/fire-alone-can-save-our-clan/) [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) > [This is not my Clan. Not any longer. ThunderClan is led by a kittypet, and there's nothing left to fight for. I feel no…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/this-is-not-my-clan-not-any-longer-thunderclan-is-led-by-a-kittypet/) [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) > [Redtail was a brave warrior. His loyalty to ThunderClan could never be doubted. I always relied on his judgment, for it bore witness to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/redtail-was-a-brave-warrior-his-loyalty-to-thunderclan-could-never-be/) [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) > [Now Darkstripe,' Graypaw hissed to Firepaw under his breath, 'is neither young, nor pretty.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/now-darkstripe-graypaw-hissed-to-firepaw-under-his-breath-is-neither/) [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) > [“You cannot live with a paw in both worlds”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/you-cannot-live-with-a-paw-in-both-worlds/) [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) > [I've got my warrior name, too!" Crookedjaw?" How did you guess?" A purr rumbled in his throat. Beacuse your tail's still straight.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/i-ve-got-my-warrior-name-too-crookedjaw-how-did-you-guess-a-purr/) [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) > [“Calm your waters,”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/calm-your-waters/) [Erin Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) [Explore all 346 Erin Hunter quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/) ## More Evil quotes > [I've always been fascinated by the idea that there's no such thing as evil; it's all in your point of view. To one group…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eli-roth/i-ve-always-been-fascinated-by-the-idea-that-there-s-no-such-thing-as/) [Eli Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eli-roth/) > [If ever I did a man any goodof course it was something exceptional and insignificant compared with the good or evil which I am…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/if-ever-i-did-a-man-any-goodof-course-it-was-something-exceptional/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [Every action that helps us manifest our divine nature more and more is good; every action that retards it is evil.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/swami-vivekananda/every-action-that-helps-us-manifest-our-divine-nature-more-and-more/) [Swami Vivekananda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/swami-vivekananda/) > [I do conscientiously and sincerely believe that the Order of Freemasonry, if not the greatest, is one of the greatest moral and political evils…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-quincy-adams/i-do-conscientiously-and-sincerely-believe-that-the-order-of/) [John Quincy Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-quincy-adams/) > [The Republicans do not look on the Democrats as the evil empire.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-safire/the-republicans-do-not-look-on-the-democrats-as-the-evil-empire/) [William Safire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-safire/) > [Let us remember that every worldview-not just Christianity's-must give an explanation or an answer for evil and suffering...this is not just a problem distinctive…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ravi-zacharias/let-us-remember-that-every-worldview-not-just-christianity-s-must/) [Ravi Zacharias](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ravi-zacharias/) > [What is done out of love always takes place beyond good and evil.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/what-is-done-out-of-love-always-takes-place-beyond-good-and-evil/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [ Evil cannot be "treated" -- nor should it be. Evil has to \[be\] confronted and destroyed and it matters not why the evil is… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-o-reilly/evil-cannot-be-treated-nor-should-it-be-evil-has-to-be-confronted-and/) [Bill O'Reilly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-o-reilly/) > [The evil which does me no harm is like the good which in no wise avails me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leonardo-da-vinci/the-evil-which-does-me-no-harm-is-like-the-good-which-in-no-wise/) [Leonardo da Vinci](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leonardo-da-vinci/) > [Attack the evil that is within yourself, rather than attacking the evil that is in others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/attack-the-evil-that-is-within-yourself-rather-than-attacking-the/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [Somewhere somebody must have some sense. Men must see that force begets force, hate begets hate, toughness begets toughness. And it is all a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther-king-jr/somewhere-somebody-must-have-some-sense-men-must-see-that-force/) [Martin Luther King, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther-king-jr/) > [There is a spirit which I feel that delights to do no evil, nor to revenge any wrong, but delights to endure all things,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-nayler/there-is-a-spirit-which-i-feel-that-delights-to-do-no-evil-nor-to/) [James Nayler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-nayler/) > [The politician attempts to remedy the evil by increasing the very thing that caused the evil in the first place: legal plunder.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederic-bastiat/the-politician-attempts-to-remedy-the-evil-by-increasing-the-very/) [Frederic Bastiat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederic-bastiat/) > [“Water is so friendly when you have it on your palms, but so evil when they have you on theirs.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-f-moonzajer/water-is-so-friendly-when-you-have-it-on-your-palms-but-so-evil-when/) [M.F. Moonzajer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-f-moonzajer/) > [THE ART OF PEACE is not easy. It is a fight to the finish, the slaying of evil desires and all falsehood within. On…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/morihei-ueshiba/the-art-of-peace-is-not-easy-it-is-a-fight-to-the-finish-the-slaying/) [Morihei Ueshiba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/morihei-ueshiba/) [Browse all 11,163 Evil quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evil/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Power is neither good nor evil, but its user makes it so.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Erin Hunter" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/power-is-neither-good-nor-evil-but-its-user-makes-it-so/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Evil" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/power-is-neither-good-nor-evil-but-its-user-makes-it-so/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b3a/erin-hunter-787_evil_power-is-neither-good-nor-evil-but-its-u_2569970.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b3a/erin-hunter-787_evil_power-is-neither-good-nor-evil-but-its-u_2569970.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b3a/erin-hunter-787_evil_power-is-neither-good-nor-evil-but-its-u_2569970.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Power is neither good nor evil, but its user makes it so.” — Erin Hunter", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Erin Hunter", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-hunter/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Power is neither good nor evil,...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/power-is-neither-good-nor-evil-but-its-user-makes-it-so/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-hunter/power-is-neither-good-nor-evil-but-its-user-makes-it-so/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```