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Power gradually extirpates from the mind every humane and gentle virtue.
Edmund Burke
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Power corrupts human virtues over time.

In this quote, Edmund Burke highlights the detrimental effect of power on human nature, suggesting that the accumulation of power can lead individuals to lose their compassion, kindness, and moral virtues. As power strengthens, it has the potential to erode the very qualities that make us humane and gentle, ultimately leading to a more brutal and unfeeling character.

Themes

PowerCorruptionHumanityVirtueMoral

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about political leadership and ethics.

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