Hobbit Quote by J.R.R. Tolkien
““Its strength, Boromir, is too great for anyone to wield at will, save only those who have already a great power of their own. But for them it holds an even deadlier peril. The very desire of it corrupts the heart. Consider Saruman. If any of the Wise should with this Ring overthrow the Lord of Mordor, using his own arts, he would then set himself on Sauron’s throne, and yet another Dark Lord would appear. And that is another reason why the Ring should be destroyed: as long as it is in the world it will be a danger even to the Wise. For nothing is evil in the beginning.””
About This Quote
Source Film: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001
Powerful artifacts tempt even the wise, leading to corruption and new tyrannies if misused.
In simple terms: Great power tempts and corrupts.
Key Takeaway
Beware and seek destroying dangerous power.
Themes
corruption
power
responsibility
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
warning
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- military strategy
- personal ambition
- organizational governance
Key Concepts
temptation
hubris
moral hazard
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can prevent power abuse?
- Can destruction ever fully remove danger?
A Different Perspective
Even the wise can be swayed; destruction may not eliminate all threats.
