A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Edmund BurkeRead
I dread our own power, and our own ambition; I dread our being too much dreaded... We may say that we shall not abuse this astonishing, and hitherto unheard-of-power. But every other nation will think we shall abuse it. It is impossible but that, sooner or later, this state of things must produce a combination against us which may end in our ruin.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the fear of power and ambition, emphasizing the risk of being perceived as a threat by others due to one's own capabilities.
In this quote, Edmund Burke expresses the tension between the pursuit of power and the accompanying fears it invokes. He suggests that while one may intend to use power responsibly, the perception of that power by others can lead to suspicion and hostility. Ultimately, he warns that this dynamic could result in a coalition against the powerful, threatening their downfall.
Themes
PowerAmbitionFearPerceptionResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the responsibilities of leadership during a conference on governance.
More from Edmund Burke
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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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