Those who have been once intoxicated with power, and have derived any kind of emolument from it, even though but for one year, never can willingly abandon it. They may be distressed in the midst of all their power; but they will never look to any thing but power for their relief.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Once people gain power and benefit from it, they become unwilling to give it up, even if it causes them distress.
- In plain terms
- People who taste power and profit from it rarely want to let it go.
- What can you take from it?
- Power creates a dependency that makes surrender nearly impossible.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes someone cling to authority?
- How can power be checked?
Another view
Some leaders do step down willingly for health or family reasons.
More from Edmund Burke
Tyrants seldom want pretexts.
Permalink to quote #21 Neither the few nor the many have a right to act merely by their will, in any matter connected with duty, trust, engagement, or obligation.
Permalink to quote #23 You can never plan the future by the past.
Permalink to quote #20
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