Human Quote by Samuel Adams
“Power is, in its nature, encroaching; and such is the human make that men who are vested with a share of it are generally inclined to take more than it was intended they should have.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Correspondence on Governance, 1775
Power tends to expand beyond its intended limits, driven by human nature.
In simple terms: Power grows beyond its original scope.
Key Takeaway
Guard against power concentration.
Themes
politics
human nature
authority
corruption
expansion
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- corporate leadership
- personal ambition
- legal frameworks
Key Concepts
Self‑interest
institutional drift
checks and balances
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms can limit power overreach?
- How does personal ambition affect public duty?
A Different Perspective
Power can be checked by strong institutions and civic vigilance.
