Children Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Don't trust children with edge tools. Don't trust man, great God, with more power than he has until he has learned to use that little better. What a hell we should make of the world if we could do what we would!”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self-Reliance, 1841
Power without mastery leads to danger; we must learn to wield it responsibly.
In simple terms: Power misused is dangerous.
Key Takeaway
Learn to use power responsibly.
Themes
responsibility
power
wisdom
Mood
reflective
cautionary
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- politics
- technology
- leadership
- personal growth
Key Concepts
ethical use
self‑control
human limitation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we ensure responsible use of power?
- What limits should be set?
A Different Perspective
Power can corrupt even the wise.
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