A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Edmund BurkeRead
All persons possessing any portion of power ought to be strongly and awfully impressed with an idea that they act in trust, and that they are to account for their conduct in that trust to the one great Master, Author, and Founder of society.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Those in positions of power should remember their responsibilities and provide accountability to a higher authority.
This quote by Edmund Burke emphasizes the importance of responsibility among those who hold power. It suggests that individuals in leadership roles must recognize that their authority is not absolute, but rather a trust granted to them by society, requiring them to act ethically and be accountable to a greater moral authority or community.
Themes
PowerResponsibilityAccountabilityTrustLeadership
In practice
Example use cases
During a leadership seminar, this quote was used to remind leaders of their duty to act ethically.
More from Edmund Burke
All quotes →To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
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Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver.
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The hottest fires in hell are reserved for those who remain neutral in times of moral crisis.
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Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling; it never forgives preaching of a new gospel.
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The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
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