Those in possession of absolute power can not only prophesy and make their prophecies come true, but they can also lie and make their lies come true.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Absolute power allows leaders to shape reality—both through accurate predictions and through lies that become truth.
- In plain terms
- When someone has total control, they can make anything real, even lies.
- What can you take from it?
- Check who controls the narrative when power is concentrated.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you know what is true when power shapes it?
- What checks exist on those who control information?
Another view
Even without absolute power, influence can distort truth.
More from Eric Hoffer
There is no reason why humanity cannot be served equally by weighty and trivial motives.
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