Build Quote by John Kramer
![“The pursuit of goodness leads to greatness, but the pursuit of greatness, whether by a man or a nation, leads to ruin…. [G]ood men build; great men destroy. They destroy because they try to control something other than themselves and that always leads to destruction.” quote by John Kramer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/927/john-kramer-14385_build_the-pursuit-of-goodness-leads-to-greatne_789565.jpg)
““The pursuit of goodness leads to greatness, but the pursuit of greatness, whether by a man or a nation, leads to ruin…. [G]ood men build; great men destroy. They destroy because they try to control something other than themselves and that always leads to destruction.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, attributed to John Kramer (fictional character)
Seeking moral excellence creates lasting value, while chasing power for its own sake breeds self‑destruction and harm.
In simple terms: Goodness builds, greatness can destroy.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize integrity over ambition.
Themes
ethics
power
hubris
Mood
reflective
cautionary
Type
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- leadership decisions
- national policy
- personal ambition
- organizational culture
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
psychology
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does ambition affect your values?
- Can greatness be achieved without harming others?
A Different Perspective
Power without self‑knowledge often backfires.
