Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quoteShare via Email Print this Page Daily Quotes Archives2003-07-04 Jul 4, 2003Fear is the foundation of most governments; but it is so sordid and brutal a passion, and renders men in whose breasts it predominates so stupid and miserable, that Americans will not be likely to approve of any political institution which is founded on it.~ John AdamsYou see what power is -- holding someone else's fear in your hand and showing it to them!~ Amy TanIt is when power is wedded to chronic fear that it becomes formidable.~ Eric HofferPower never takes a back step -- only in the face of more power.~ Malcolm X Jul 3, 2003The merit of our Constitution was, not that it promotes democracy, but checks it.~ Horatio SeymourPrivate opinion is weak, but public opinion is almost omnipotent.~ Harriet Beecher StowePeople demand freedom only when they have no power.~ Friedrich Nietzsche Jul 2, 2003It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually attracted by other things than power.~ David BrinUltimately, the only power to which man should aspire is that which he exercises over himself.~ Elie WieselOne man that has a mind and knows it can always beat ten men who haven't and don't.~ George Bernard ShawIf you think you're too small to make a difference, you haven't been in bed with a mosquito.~ Anita Roddick Jul 1, 2003The highest proof of virtue is to possess boundless power without abusing it.~ Thomas Babington MacaulayThe problem of power is how to achieve its responsible use rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use -- of how to get men of power to live for the public rather than off the public.~ Robert F. KennedyHe therefore is the truest friend to the liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue, and who, so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man...The sum of all is, if we would most truly enjoy this gift of Heaven, let us become a virtuous people.~ Samuel Adams Jun 30, 2003I cannot accept, your canon that we are to judge pope and king unlike other men, with a favorable presumption that they do no wrong. If there is any presumption, it is the other way against holders of power ... Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.~ Lord ActonI repeat... that all power is a trust; that we are accountable for its exercise; that, from the people, and for the people, all springs, and all must exist.~ Benjamin DisraeliWe hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.~ Aesop Previous week's quotes Next week's quotes Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print