The appetite for power, even for universal power, is only insane when there is no possibility of indulging it; a man who sees the possibility opening before him and does not try to grasp it, even at the risk of destroying himself and his country, is either
Interpretation
The desire for power can be rational or irrational depending on the context and opportunity available to an individual.
This quote highlights the complex nature of ambition and the human desire for power. Simone Weil suggests that the pursuit of power is only considered insane when there is no chance to achieve it. A person who recognizes an opportunity for power but chooses not to pursue it, even if it could lead to personal and national destruction, is seen as lacking in drive or purpose, suggesting that ambition is a fundamental part of human nature that can lead to both greatness and ruin.
In practice
In a debate on leadership qualities, this quote could be used to illustrate the balance between ambition and responsibility.
The afflicted are not listened to. They are like someone whose tongue has been cut out and who occasionally forgets the fact. When they move their lips no ear perceives any sound. And they themselves soon sink into impotence in the use of language, because of the certainty of not being heard.
As soon as men know that they can kill without fear of punishment or blame, they kill; or at least they encourage killers with approving smiles.
Evil is license, and that is why it is monotonous: everything has to be drawn from ourselves. One is condemned to false infinity. That is hell itself.
I am not a Catholic; but I consider the Christian idea, which has its roots in Greek thought and in the course of the centuries has nourished all of our European civilization, as something that one cannot renounce without becoming degraded.
How many people have been thus led, through lack of self-confidence, to stifle their most justified doubts?
We must not wish for the disappearance of our troubles but for the grace to transform them.
Do not paint a picture either of God or the devil on your walls: this will ruin both your walls and the atmosphere.
We should commit ourselves to 'eucharistic coherence,' that is, we should be conscious that people cannot receive holy communion and at the same time act or speak against the commandments, in particular when abortions, euthanasia, and other serious crimes against life and family are facilitated. This responsibility applies particularly to legislators, governors, and health professionals.
If you don't visit the bad neighborhoods, the bad neighborhoods are going to visit you.
Be such a man, and live such a life, that if every man were such as you, and every life a life like yours, this earth would be God's Paradise.
I tell my children what I think myself: That religion is not necessarily convincing, but it is still interesting and not to be laughed at or denigrated.
That which is not good for the bee-hive cannot be good for the bees.
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