--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A person who wields power cannot see…" description: "\"“A person who wields power cannot see truth; that is the privilege of the powerless.”\" — Lesslie Newbigin" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5dd/lesslie-newbigin-11290_authority_a-person-who-wields-power-cannot-see-tru_685924.jpg" --- # A person who wields power cannot see truth; that is the… ![“A person who wields power cannot see truth; that is the privilege of the powerless.” quote by Lesslie Newbigin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5dd/lesslie-newbigin-11290_authority_a-person-who-wields-power-cannot-see-tru_685924.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5dd/lesslie-newbigin-11290_authority_a-person-who-wields-power-cannot-see-tru_685924.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5dd/lesslie-newbigin-11290_authority_a-person-who-wields-power-cannot-see-tru_685924.jpg) > ““A person who wields power cannot see truth; that is the privilege of the powerless.”” [Lesslie Newbigin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lesslie-newbigin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Power blinds the powerful to truth, while those without power retain clearer perception. **In simple terms:** Power distorts truth; the powerless see more clearly. Key Takeaway Question authority and seek perspectives of the disenfranchised. Themes authority truth power dynamics humility Mood critical thought‑provoking Type philosophical political When to use this quote - political debates - journalism - activism - community meetings Key Concepts Epistemic humility critical theory social justice Questions to Reflect On - How do you ensure marginalized voices are heard? - What mechanisms reveal hidden truths? A Different Perspective Power can also blind the powerless through bias. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Authority](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/authority/) [Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power/) [Powerless](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/powerless/) [Privilege](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/privilege/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [For truth itself has not the privilege to be spoken at all times and in all sorts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michel-de-montaigne/for-truth-itself-has-not-the-privilege-to-be-spoken-at-all-times-and/) [Michel de Montaigne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michel-de-montaigne/) > [“Lies erase. Lies are power. Power to be had by you. Truth is relative, no? Power defeats truth, paper, scissors. 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