Absolute power Quote by Terence Rattigan
“It has been said that absolute power corrupts absolutely, but many it not be truer to say that to be absolutely powerful a man must first corrupt himself?”
About This Quote
Source Play: "The Deep Blue Sea" by Terence Rattigan, 1952
Absolute power may require self‑corruption, suggesting moral compromise to maintain control.
In simple terms: Power can corrupt the holder.
Key Takeaway
Beware of ethical erosion in pursuit of power.
Themes
power
morality
corruption
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- leadership
- corporate governance
- political office
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Is self‑corruption inevitable for absolute power?
- What safeguards prevent moral decay?
A Different Perspective
Power can be exercised ethically without self‑corruption.
![“As Israel made the wants of his national existence the law of the world, as under the dominance of these wants he deified even his political vindictiveness; so the Christian made the requirements of human feeling the absolute powers and laws of the world. [T]hat is, indeed, only of man considered…” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dd1/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_abrahamism_as-israel-made-the-wants-of-his-national_31284.jpg)
