Dictatorship Quote by George Orwell
“Power is not a means, it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship.”
About This Quote
Power can become the ultimate goal, turning revolutions into tools for authoritarian control.
In simple terms: Power may become the purpose, not the means.
Key Takeaway
Beware of power’s corrupting aim.
Themes
politics
authority
corruption
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- government policy
- activist movements
- organizational leadership
Key Concepts
philosophy
history
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies prevent power from becoming an end?
- What safeguards protect democratic ideals?
A Different Perspective
Idealistic revolutions can be co-opted by leaders.
![“I think that our society will not allow anyone to establish a dictatorship again in the future. [Mikhail] Saakashvili will fail.” quote by Irakli Okruashvili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be1/irakli-okruashvili-37000_dictatorship_i-think-that-our-society-will-not-allow_278689.jpg)
![“[...] dictatorship, the most extreme form of tyranny, can never lead to social liberation.” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/869/noam-chomsky-42_dictatorship_dictatorship-the-most-extreme-form-of-ty_31180.jpg)
