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Anyone entrusted with power will abuse it if not also animated with the love of truth and virtue, no matter whether he be a prince, or one of the people.
Jean De La Fontaine
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Power can corrupt individuals unless they are motivated by truth and virtue.

This quote highlights the inherent risk of power, suggesting that without a foundation of truth and virtue, any individual, regardless of their status, is likely to misuse the power they hold. It emphasizes the importance of moral integrity and a commitment to honesty as safeguards against the corruption that often accompanies authority.

Themes

PowerTruthVirtueCorruptionAuthority

In practice

Example use cases

During a leadership seminar, one might quote this when discussing ethical leadership.

More from Jean De La Fontaine

Man is so made that when anything fires his soul, impossibilities vanish.
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It is good to be charitable; but to whom? That is the point. As to the ungrateful, there is not one who does not at last die miserable.
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Let ignorance talk as it will, learning has its value.
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Death never takes the wise man by surprise, he is always ready to go.
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Everyone has his faults which he continually repeats: neither fear nor shame can cure them.
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