Dominion Quote by Toni Morrison
“To be given dominion over another is a hard thing; to wrest dominion over another is a wrong thing; to give dominion of yourself to another is a wicked thing.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Beloved, 1987
Dominion over others is inherently problematic; imposing control is wrong, and surrendering oneself to another is harmful.
In simple terms: Control over people is wrong and surrendering to control is harmful.
Key Takeaway
Respect autonomy and avoid domination.
Themes
power
ethics
human dignity
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- relationships
- leadership
- political systems
- personal boundaries
Key Concepts
authority
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize when influence becomes domination?
- What safeguards protect personal autonomy?
A Different Perspective
Power dynamics are complex and sometimes necessary for order.
![“It may be said of them [the Hollanders], as of the Spaniards, that the sun never sets upon their Dominions.” quote by Thomas Gage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e12/thomas-gage-63372_dominion_it-may-be-said-of-them-the-hollanders-as_103053.jpg)
![“The thing that was forfeited in the garden was regained. God gave him [Adam] dominion over the works of His hand. God made him His understudy, His king to rule over everything that had life. Man was master, man lived in the realm of god. He lived on terms of equality with God. God was a faith God…” quote by John G. Lake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/428/john-g-lake-12667_adam_the-thing-that-was-forfeited-in-the-gard_84356.jpg)
