Government Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: 1787 correspondence, Thomas Jefferson
Power corrupts; even good systems become tyrannical over time through slow erosion.
In simple terms: Power tends to corrupt.
Key Takeaway
Guard against gradual abuse.
Themes
politics
corruption
government
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- political office
- corporate leadership
- community boards
Key Concepts
philosophy
history
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What checks can prevent power abuse?
- How to detect subtle shifts toward tyranny?
A Different Perspective
Reform can be resisted by entrenched interests.
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