QuoteProject
We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it.
George Orwell
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Power is rarely given up willingly; those who obtain it often seek to hold onto it.

This quote by George Orwell highlights the nature of power and authority, suggesting that individuals or groups who acquire power do so for self-serving purposes and are unlikely to willingly give it up. It reflects a broader commentary on the dynamics of control and governance, where the desire for dominance often overshadows altruistic intentions.

Themes

PowerAuthorityControlPoliticsReluctance

In practice

Example use cases

During a political debate, this quote can be used to illustrate the unwillingness of leaders to step down.

More from George Orwell

If one harbours anywhere in one's mind a nationalistic loyalty or hatred, certain facts, although in a sense known to be true, are inadmissible.
George OrwellRead
The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.
George OrwellRead
Political writing in our time consists almost entirely of prefabricated phrases bolted together like the pieces of a child's Meccano set. It is the unavoidable result of self-censorship. To write in plain, vigorous language one has to think fearlessly, and if one thinks fearlessly one cannot be politically orthodox.
George OrwellRead
Not to expose your true feelings to an adult seems to be instinctive from the age of seven or eight onwards.
George OrwellRead
As with the Christian religion, the worst advertisement for Socialism is its adherents.
George OrwellRead
It is fatal to look hungry. It makes people want to kick you.
George OrwellRead

Similar quotes

There is no sea more dangerous than the ocean of practical politics none in which there is more need of good pilotage and of a single, unfaltering purpose when the waves rise high.
Thomas HuxleyRead
All politics is a struggle for power; the ultimate kind of power is violence.
C. Wright MillsRead
Nobody should have any illusions. The United States has essentially a one-party system and the ruling party is the business party.
Noam ChomskyRead
If the General Government should be left dependent on the State Legislatures, it would be happy for us if we had never met in this room.
John DickinsonRead
Democracy must stand or fall on a platform of possible human perfectibility. If human nature cannot be improved by institutions, democracy is at best a more than usually safe form of political organization . . . . But if it is to work better as well as merely longer, it must have some leavening effect on human nature; and the sincere democrat is obliged to assume the power of the leaven. [Progressive]
Herbert CrolyRead
No wonder Americans hate politics when, year in and year out, they hear politicians make promises that won't come true because they don't even mean them - campaign fantasies that win elections but don't get nations moving again
William J. ClintonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.