History and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government.
George WashingtonRead
Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who posses it; and this I know, my lords: that where law ends, tyranny begins.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The concentration of power can lead to corruption and tyranny.
This quote by William Pitt reflects the idea that when individuals or groups possess unlimited power without the constraints of law, their judgment can become distorted, leading to oppressive behavior. It serves as a warning about the dangers of absolute authority and emphasizes the importance of legal frameworks to maintain justice and prevent tyranny.
Themes
PowerCorruptionTyrannyLawAuthority
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a political speech to highlight the importance of checks and balances.
Similar quotes
Among the numerous advantages promised by a well-constructed Union, none deserves to be more accurately developed than its tendency to break and control the violence of faction.
James MadisonRead
Mankind, when left to themselves, are unfit for their own government.
George WashingtonRead
When it comes to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, I will take no options off the table. ... That includes all elements of American power: a political effort aimed at isolating Iran, a diplomatic effort to sustain our coalition and ensure that the Iranian program is monitored, an economic effort that imposes crippling sanctions and, yes, a military effort to be prepared for any contingency.
Barack ObamaRead
I may find Saddam Hussein's regime abhorrent - any normal person would - but the survival of it is in his hands.
Tony BlairRead
There are still people in my party who believe in consensus politics. I regard them as Quislings, as traitors... I mean it.
Margaret ThatcherRead