Computer Quote by Ted Nelson
“Power corrupts, and obsolete power corrupts obsoletely.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Future of Information, Ted Nelson, 1995
Power that is outdated still corrupts, and new power can become corrupt in the same way, suggesting that any authority tends to decay into misuse.
In simple terms: Old and new power both risk corruption.
Key Takeaway
Question and renew authority regularly.
Themes
power
corruption
obsolescence
authority
Mood
critical
cautious
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- politics
- corporate governance
- technology leadership
Key Concepts
institutional decay
ethical decay
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure power remains accountable?
- What systems prevent obsolete authority from harming?
A Different Perspective
Power structures can adapt, but corruption may persist without vigilance.
![“Absolute truisms rot brains absolutely.[...]'Power corrupts' is useless as a tool for understanding the past, and gives us nothing as a guide to action.” quote by Steven Brust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/53d/steven-brust-7934_absolutes_absolute-truisms-rot-brains-absolutely-p_1053894.jpg)
