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Quotes about power

213 quotes from 148 people

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The fundamental concept in social science is Power, in the same sense in which Energy is the fundamental concept in physics.
Bertrand Russell1872–1970Power: A New Social Analysis (1938), Ch. 1: The Impulse to Power
People seem good while they are oppressed, but they only wish to become oppressors in their turn: life is nothing but a competition to be the criminal rather than the victim.
Bertrand Russell1872–1970Letter to Ottoline Morrell, 17 December, 1920
- Good & Evil
There are no “human” oppressors. Oppressors have lost their humanity.
Bernie Sandersborn 1941“Man – and Woman” in Vermont Freeman (Mid-February 1972)
For he that does good, having the unlimited power to do evil, deserves praise not only for the good which he performs, but for the evil which he forbears.
Walter Scott1771–1832Ivanhoe (1819), Chapter XXXIIIIn context
- Good & Evil
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.
William Shakespeare1564–1616Henry IV, Part 2 (1597-8), Act III, scene i.
- Leadership
I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself
And falls on th’ other
William Shakespeare1564–1616Macbeth (c. 1606), Act I, Scene VII, spoken by MacbethIn context
- Motivation & Goals
Now does he feel his title
Hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe
Upon a dwarfish thief.
William Shakespeare1564–1616Macbeth (c. 1606), Act V, Scene II, spoken by AngusIn context
- Leadership
There thou mightst behold the great image of authority: a dog’s obeyed in office.
William Shakespeare1564–1616King Lear (c. 1606), Act IV, Scene VI, spoken by LearIn context
- Government
Off with his head!
William Shakespeare1564–1616Richard III (c. 1593), Act III, Scene IV, spoken by RichardIn context
The King’s name is a tower of strength
Which they upon the adverse faction want.
William Shakespeare1564–1616Richard III (c. 1593), Act V, Scene III, spoken by King RichardIn context
- Leadership
Conscience is but a word that cowards use,
Devised at first to keep the strong in awe.
Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law.
William Shakespeare1564–1616Richard III (c. 1593), Act V, Scene III, spoken by King RichardIn context
- Courage
- Morality
You may my glories and my state depose,
But not my griefs; still am I king of those.
William Shakespeare1564–1616Richard II (c. 1595), Act IV, Scene I, spoken by King RichardIn context
- Emotion
No ceremony that to great ones longs,
Not the king’s crown, nor the deputed sword,
The marshal’s truncheon, nor the judge’s robe,
Become them with one half so good a grace
As mercy does.
William Shakespeare1564–1616Measure for Measure (c. 1604), Act II, Scene II, spoken by IsabellaIn context
- Forgiveness
O, it is excellent
To have a giant’s strength; but it is tyrannous
To use it like a giant.
William Shakespeare1564–1616Measure for Measure (c. 1604), Act II, Scene II, spoken by IsabellaIn context
But man, proud man,
Dressed in a little brief authority,
Most ignorant of what he’s most assured,
His glassy essence, like an angry ape
Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven
As makes the angels weep
William Shakespeare1564–1616Measure for Measure (c. 1604), Act II, Scene II, spoken by IsabellaIn context
- Pride