Authority Quote by P. J. O'Rourke
“Authority has always attracted the lowest elements in the human race”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Lighter Side of Politics, 1990
Powerful individuals often attract the most unscrupulous people, exploiting their influence.
In simple terms: Power draws the worst.
Key Takeaway
Beware of corrupt influences.
Themes
power
corruption
human nature
politics
ethics
Mood
cautionary
analytical
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- corporate governance
- activism
- media scrutiny
Key Concepts
political theory
sociology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders protect themselves from exploitation?
- What safeguards prevent abuse of power?
A Different Perspective
Not all attracted are lowly; context can be noble.
![“Nothing, not even the best and noblest, can go on as it now is. Nothing, not even what is lowest and most bestial, will not be raised again if it submits to death. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. Flesh and blood cannot come to the Mountains [heaven]. Not because they are…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ba6/anonymous-1_arise_nothing-not-even-the-best-and-noblest-ca_27244.jpg)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)