Occupants of public offices love power and are prone to abuse it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Washington notes that those in power often seek more and misuse it.
- In plain terms
- People in charge usually want more power and abuse it.
- What can you take from it?
- Power attracts abuse and requires oversight.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do leaders seek more power?
- How do you stop corruption?
Another view
Not all leaders abuse power; many serve faithfully.
More from George Washington
Nothing is more harmful to the service, than the neglect of discipline for that discipline, more than numbers, gives one army superiority over another.
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