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About this quote

What does it mean?
Power becomes especially dangerous when it is driven by persistent fear.
In plain terms
Power is most dangerous when it comes from fear.
What can you take from it?
Power fueled by fear is the most dangerous kind.

Where it applies

  • governance
  • leadership
  • conflict

Putting it to work

  • lead without fear
  • check power
  • build trust

Questions to consider

  • Is my leadership driven by fear?
  • Who uses fear to control others?

Another view

Sometimes fear is a rational response to real external threats.

More from Eric Hoffer

  1. The beginning of thought is in disagreement - not only with others but also with ourselves.

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  2. It has often been said that power corrupts. But it is perhaps equally important to realize that weakness, too, corrupts. Power corrupts the few, while weakness…

    Permalink to quote #74
  3. There is in even the most selfish passion a large element of self-abnegation. It is startling to realize that what we call extreme self-seeking is actually sel…

    Permalink to quote #75

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