Skip to content

Government Quote by John Dryden

“Resolved to ruin or to rule the state.” quote by John Dryden
Download Open image
“Resolved to ruin or to rule the state.”

John Dryden

About This Quote

Source Play: 1695, “The Conquest of Granada”

A declaration of intent to either destroy or dominate the state, reflecting extreme ambition.

In simple terms: Choose ruin or rule.

Key Takeaway

Consider the consequences of extreme ambition.

Themes

politics power ethics ambition conflict

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical historical

When to use this quote

  • political campaigns
  • corporate takeovers
  • revolutionary movements

Key Concepts

realpolitik moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives the desire to dominate?
  • Can ambition be tempered ethically?
A Different Perspective

May ignore moral costs of power.

2.8 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by John Dryden

Explore all 520 John Dryden quotes

More Government quotes

Browse all 20,757 Government quotes