Age Quote by Jonathan Swift
“Arbitrary power is the natural object of temptation to a prince, as wine and women to a young fellow, or a bribe to a judge, or avarice to old age.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "A Modest Proposal" (satire), 1729
He satirically compares the allure of power to temptations like wine, women, bribes, and greed.
In simple terms: Power tempts like other vices.
Key Takeaway
Beware the seductive nature of power.
Themes
politics
ethics
temptation
Mood
cautionary
critical
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- judicial decisions
- corporate governance
Key Concepts
satire
human nature
corruption
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can limit power’s temptation?
- How does satire reveal truth about authority?
A Different Perspective
Satire may obscure serious warning for some readers.
