Power Corrupts Quotes

One of the most famous quotes about power is the adage that "power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." This well-known quote has been attributed to many thinkers and writers, including Lord Acton, who first coined it in 1887. The quote highlights the tendency of those in positions of power to become corrupted by that power, and the dangers that this corruption can pose.

Another powerful quote about power and corruption is by Abraham Lincoln, who said, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." This quote highlights the way in which power can reveal a person's true character, and the risks that come with giving power to those who may not be morally or ethically equipped to handle it. It encourages us to be cautious about who we give power to, and to ensure that those in positions of authority are held accountable for their actions.

George Orwell also had a poignant quote about power and corruption, saying, "Power is not a means; it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship." This quote highlights the way in which power can be used to further the interests of those in control, rather than the interests of the people. It encourages us to be vigilant about the ways in which power is being used, and to ensure that those in power are held accountable for their actions.

Finally, Robert A. Caro said, "Power doesn't corrupt. It reveals." This quote challenges the traditional idea that power is inherently corrupting, and suggests that those who are corrupted by power were already predisposed to corruption. It encourages us to look beyond the surface level of power and to consider the underlying character and values of those who seek it.

In conclusion, quotes about power and corruption can help us to better understand the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of holding those in positions of authority accountable for their actions. They remind us to be cautious about who we give power to, and to be vigilant about the ways in which power is being used. These quotes encourage us to consider the true nature of power and its relationship to corruption, and to take action to ensure that power is used for the greater good rather than for personal gain.

When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. John F. Kennedy

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It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it. Aung San Suu Kyi

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I strongly believe that the Founding Fathers of our country got it right: power corrupts, and any time you have too much power concentrated in one place, it tends to get abused, so checks and balances are always needed. Dean Ornish

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The story being told in 'Star Wars' is a classic one. Every few hundred years, the story is retold because we have a tendency to do the same things over and over again. Power corrupts, and when you're in charge, you start doing things that you think are right, but they're actually not. George Lucas

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We're taught Lord Acton's axiom: all power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. I believed that when I started these books, but I don't believe it's always true any more. Power doesn't always corrupt. Power can cleanse. What I believe is always true about power is that power always reveals. Robert Caro

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Unlimited power corrupts the possessor. William Pitt

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I don't actually subscribe to the view that all power corrupts. But absolute power - when secured on the back of massive parliamentary majorities, which don't reflect the balance of political opinion in the country - can corrupt absolutely. Charles Kennedy

It is true that power corrupts. The hope at the polling stations and the actions of the elected representatives, unfortunately, often turn to be opposite. The power of ballot turns into the power of wallet. Some law-makers become law-breakers. Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj

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In the United States, though power corrupts, the expectation of power paralyzes. John Kenneth Galbraith

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I think Republicans need to take income inequality more seriously. Not because I favor equality of outcomes. I do not. I think the Right is correct to stress merit and earned rewards, not handouts and forced equality. But I think what Republicans are blind to is that power corrupts. Jonathan Haidt

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