Defined Quote by Gerry Spence
“We are defined by how we use our power.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Legal Ethics Lecture, 1999
Power defines us by how responsibly we wield it.
In simple terms: Use power responsibly to define character.
Key Takeaway
Act responsibly with influence.
Themes
responsibility
ethics
leadership
Mood
determined
inspirational
Type
ethical
leadership
When to use this quote
- political office
- corporate leadership
- community organizing
- legal practice
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social impact
authority
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities come with your influence?
- How can you ensure power is used ethically?
A Different Perspective
Power can be misused despite good intentions.
![“[On power:] Some people really have almost a disdain for that word. They feel it is alien to conscience. Power for power's sake, no. But the positive use of power for positive purposes is very important. You have to understand that. You've got to have a seat at the policy table if you want to make…” quote by Elizabeth Dole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9f8/elizabeth-dole-23351_aliens_on-power-some-people-really-have-almost_635130.jpg)
![“Government [is] operated by deeply embedded, hopelessly entangled bureaus where nothing is accomplished because the function of the bureau is to intercept every living idea and smother it.” quote by Gerry Spence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/adf/gerry-spence-9080_accomplished_government-is-operated-by-deeply-embedde_332289.jpg)
![“The self is defined psychologically as the psychic totality of the individual. Anything that a [person] postulates as being a greater totality than [oneself] can become a symbol of the self. For this reason the symbol of the self is not always as total as the definition would require.” quote by Carl Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/251/carl-jung-274_defined_the-self-is-defined-psychologically-as-t_7148.jpg)
