Depravity Quote by Wendell Phillips
“The hand entrusted with power becomes, either from human depravity or esprit de corps, the necessary enemy of the people”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Anti‑Slavery Convention, 1860
Power corrupts, turning its holder into an oppressor against the populace, either from personal greed or group loyalty.
In simple terms: Power can turn leaders into enemies of the people.
Key Takeaway
Beware concentration of power.
Themes
politics
ethics
leadership
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
warning
When to use this quote
- government reform
- activism
- corporate governance
- community organizing
Key Concepts
corruption
groupthink
authoritarianism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does group loyalty enable oppression?
- What safeguards prevent power abuse?
A Different Perspective
Power may be used for public good if checked.
![“All these institutions [prisons] seemed purposely invented for the production of depravity and vice, condensed to such a degree that no other conditions could produce it, and for the spreading of this condensed depravity and vice broadcast among the whole population.” quote by Leo Tolstoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f71/leo-tolstoy-55_depravity_all-these-institutions-prisons-seemed-pu_254289.jpg)
