It 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 Brin (1950 - )
Ultimately, the only power to which man should aspire is that which he exercises over himself. :smile: Our power does not belong to others.
Elie Wiesel (1928 - )
It is when power is wedded to chronic fear that it becomes formidable.
Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983), The Passionate State of Mind, 1954
One person with a belief is equal to a force of 99 who have only interests.
John Stuart Mill (1806 - 1873)
If power was an illusion, wasn't weakness necessarily one also?
Lois McMaster Bujold, A Civil Campain, 1999
The highest proof of virtue is to possess boundless power without abusing it.
Lord Macaulay, review of Lucy Aikin, 'Life and Writings of Addison,' 1943
The 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. Kennedy (1925 - 1968), 'I Remember, I Believe,' The Pursuit of Justice, 1964
Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.
Seneca (5 BC - 65 AD)
We have, I fear, confused power with greatness.
Stewart L. Udall (1920 - ), commencement address, Dartmouth College, June 13, 1965
An honest man can feel no pleasure in the exercise of power over his fellow citizens.
Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826), letter to John Melish, January 13, 1813
The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourselves.
William Hazlitt (1778 - 1830)
Power consists in one's capacity to link his will with the purpose of others, to lead by reason and a gift of cooperation.
Woodrow Wilson (1856 - 1924), letter to Mary A. Hulbert, September 21, 1913