Absolute power Quote by Lord Acton
““power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutley””
About This Quote
Source Book: Essays on History and Politics, 1887
Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts even more completely.
In simple terms: Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Key Takeaway
Guard against unchecked authority.
Themes
politics
ethics
human nature
Mood
cautionary
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government leadership
- corporate governance
- personal relationships
- legal systems
Key Concepts
corruption
authority
abuse of power
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure accountability?
- What checks can prevent abuse?
A Different Perspective
Absolute power can also be used responsibly by virtuous leaders.
![“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)
