The possession of great powers no doubt carries with it a contempt for mere external show.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Having significant power often makes one dismissive of superficial displays.
- In plain terms
- Powerful people do not care much about showiness.
- What can you take from it?
- True power does not need to show off.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does power change how you see trivial things?
- Is humility harder when you are powerful?
Another view
Power can also make people more concerned with appearance to maintain control.
More from James A. Garfield
The lesson of history is rarely learned by the actors themselves.
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