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About this quote

What does it mean?
A ruler must enforce laws, but those who seek total power should not be reckless.
In plain terms
Power requires order, but overreaching leads to danger.
What can you take from it?
Balance authority with restraint.

Where it applies

  • governing a state
  • leading an organization

Putting it to work

  • establish clear rules
  • avoid excessive ambition

Questions to consider

  • When does enforcing law become oppression?
  • How can leaders stay humble?

Another view

It assumes all power seekers are reckless, which may not always be true.

More from Pierre Corneille

  1. Me puis-je mieux venger, si vous me trahissez, Que d'aimer a vos yeux ce que vous haissez?

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  2. Chaque instant de la vie est un pas vers la mort.

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  3. Qui se vainc une fois peut se vaincre toujours.

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