The love of power is a part of human nature, but power-philosophies are, in a certain precise sense, insane. The existence of the external world, both that of matter and of other human beings, is a datum, which may be humiliating to a certain kind of pride, but can only be denied by a madman. Men who allow their love of power to give them a distorted view of the world are to be found in every asylum: one man will think he is Governor of the Bank of England, another will think he is the King, and yet another will think he is God. Highly similar delusions, if expressed by educated men in obscure language, lead to professorships in philosophy; and if expressed by emotional men in eloquent language, lead to dictatorships. Certified lunatics are shut up because of the proneness to violence when their pretensions are questioned; the uncertified variety are given control of powerful armies, and can inflict death and disaster upon all sane men within their reach.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He argues that love of power leads to insane worldviews; delusions of grandeur appear in both educated philosophers and charismatic dictators.
- In plain terms
- Power hunger creates distorted worldviews that can manifest as intellectual or political tyranny.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware of power-driven delusions in any field.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How can societies detect power-driven delusions?
- Are all charismatic leaders prone to delusion?
Another view
The link between power and insanity is overstated and not universally true.
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