God Quote by Mason Cooley
“Power makes gods. Virtue makes martyrs.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Nature of Power, 1975, Literary Journal
Power creates deities, while virtue leads to martyrdom, showing opposite moral outcomes.
In simple terms: Power makes gods; virtue makes martyrs.
Cultivate virtue, avoid power’s hubris.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- leadership training
- activism
- community service
- personal ethics
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can power be exercised without corruption?
- What virtues sustain a martyr’s resolve?
Power can be used responsibly.