Able Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“I have never been able to conceive how any rational being could propose happiness to himself from the exercise of power over others.”
About This Quote
He doubts that true happiness can arise from exercising power over others.
In simple terms: Power over others rarely brings happiness.
Key Takeaway
Pursue power through cooperation, not domination.
Themes
ethics
power
happiness
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- political leadership
- conflict resolution
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
political theory
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- Is power ever a path to genuine happiness?
- How can leaders act ethically?
A Different Perspective
Power can be used for good in some contexts.
![“[States and the Federal government are] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch of the same government.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/401/thomas-jefferson-43_branches_states-and-the-federal-government-are-co_2619.jpg)
![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
