Insolence Quote by Mary Astell
“The scum of the People are most Tyrannical when they get the Power, and treat their Betters with the greatest Insolence.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: A Serious Proposal to the Ladies by Mary Astell, 1694
People who gain power often become oppressive, especially toward those they deem superior.
In simple terms: Power corrupts, leading to arrogance and tyranny.
Key Takeaway
Beware of power's corrupting influence.
Themes
politics
ethics
authority
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- government
- corporate leadership
- social movements
Key Concepts
tyranny
hubris
class conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can prevent power abuse?
- How does humility protect against tyranny?
A Different Perspective
Power can also be used responsibly; not all leaders become tyrannical.
![“[D]emocracy can itself be as tyrannical as a dictatorship, since it is the extent, not the source, of government power that impinges on freedom." -William F Buckley” quote by William F. Buckley Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cd1/william-f-buckley-jr-2-34056_democracy_d-emocracy-can-itself-be-as-tyrannical-a_410323.jpg)
![“Your sect [the Jews] by its sufferings has furnished a remarkable proof of the universal point of religious insolence, inherent in every sect, disclaimed by all while feeble and practised by all when in power. Our laws have applied the only antidote to this vice, protecting our religions, as they…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/29c/thomas-jefferson-43_antidote_your-sect-the-jews-by-its-sufferings-has_433645.jpg)
