Nor is it any longer possible for you to give up this empire ... Your empire is now like a tyranny: it may have been wrong to take it; it is certainly dangerous to let it go.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Pericles argues that relinquishing power now is more dangerous than holding it.
- In plain terms
- Letting go of power is risky.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize the risks of losing control once you have power.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is power safer held or lost?
- What are the costs of leaving?
Another view
Holding power indefinitely can also lead to collapse.
More from Pericles
But the bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding go out to meet it.
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