Ends Quote by William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham
“Unlimited power corrupts the possessor; and this I know, that, where law ends, there tyranny begins.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Parliamentary address, 1792
When law ceases, power unchecked leads to tyranny; absolute power inevitably corrupts its holder.
In simple terms: Power without law becomes tyranny.
Key Takeaway
Guard against unchecked authority.
Themes
politics
ethics
power
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government oversight
- civil activism
- journalism
- education
Key Concepts
social contract
corruption
authoritarianism
law
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can prevent abuse?
- How does law limit power?
A Different Perspective
Power may be used responsibly by some.
![“[G]overnment can, instead of extending freedom, restrict freedom. And note ... that the 'can' quickly becomes 'will' the moment the holders of government power are left to their own devices. This is because of the corrupting influence of power, the natural tendency of men who possess some power to…” quote by Barry Goldwater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/289/barry-goldwater-3353_acquisition_g-overnment-can-instead-of-extending-fre_3176762.jpg)
