Absolute power Quote by John Locke
![“[H]e that thinks absolute power purifies men's blood, and corrects the baseness of human nature, need read the history of this, or any other age, to be convinced to the contrary.” quote by John Locke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5c4/john-locke-814_absolute-power_h-e-that-thinks-absolute-power-purifies_1376422.jpg)
“[H]e that thinks absolute power purifies men's blood, and corrects the baseness of human nature, need read the history of this, or any other age, to be convinced to the contrary.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: “Two Treatises of Government” (1689) – Book II, Chapter V
The author argues that the belief that absolute power cleanses humanity is false, urging readers to study history to see its corrupting effects.
In simple terms: Absolute power corrupts; history proves it.
Key Takeaway
Study history to understand power’s corrupting nature.
Themes
power
corruption
history
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
theoretical
historical
When to use this quote
- government reforms
- civil rights movements
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
political philosophy
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What historical examples challenge the notion of purifying power?
- How can societies prevent power from becoming corrupt?
A Different Perspective
Some may view power as a stabilizing force, overlooking its potential for abuse.
![“[M]an is not permitted without censure to follow his own thoughts in the search of truth, when they lead him ever so little out of the common road.” quote by John Locke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9bd/john-locke-814_censorship_m-an-is-not-permitted-without-censure-to_60175.jpg)
![“As Israel made the wants of his national existence the law of the world, as under the dominance of these wants he deified even his political vindictiveness; so the Christian made the requirements of human feeling the absolute powers and laws of the world. [T]hat is, indeed, only of man considered…” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dd1/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_abrahamism_as-israel-made-the-wants-of-his-national_31284.jpg)
