--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Some think that they will exercise power…" description: "\"Some think that they will exercise power for the general good, but that is what all those with power have believed. Power is evil in itself, regardless..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f63/ludwig-von-mises-364_evil_some-think-that-they-will-exercise-power_1322598.png" --- # Some think that they will exercise power for the general… ![“Some think that they will exercise power for the general good, but that is what all those with power have believed. Power is evil in itself, regardless of who exercises it.” quote by Ludwig von Mises](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f63/ludwig-von-mises-364_evil_some-think-that-they-will-exercise-power_1322598.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f63/ludwig-von-mises-364_evil_some-think-that-they-will-exercise-power_1322598.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f63/ludwig-von-mises-364_evil_some-think-that-they-will-exercise-power_1322598.png) > “Some think that they will exercise power for the general good, but that is what all those with power have believed. Power is evil in itself, regardless of who exercises it.” [Ludwig von Mises](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ludwig-von-mises/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Power is inherently corrupt, regardless of who holds it, challenging the belief that it can be used for the common good. **In simple terms:** Power tends to become corrupt. Key Takeaway Check power critically, regardless of intent. Themes power corruption ethics politics Mood critical skeptical Type political philosophical When to use this quote - government policy - corporate leadership - NGO management - community organizing Key Concepts authority moral hazard institutional design Questions to Reflect On - How can power be kept in check? - What safeguards prevent abuse? A Different Perspective Good intentions don’t guarantee ethical outcomes. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Believed Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/believed-power-555162/) [Evil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evil/) [Evil Regardless](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evil-regardless-4413028/) [Exercise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exercise/) [Power Believed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power-believed-4413027/) [Power Evil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power-evil-281353/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [“The greatest power requires the gentlest touch. 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