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Of the lessons also gained from the history of mankind is the fact that greed and arrogance, when combined, lead the oppressor to do injustice not only to others, but to himself as well; once this combination of greed and arrogance has misled him into a sense of undefeatable capability and power, as he takes the road of falsehood and aggression, committing the most heinous acts and proceeding from that sick imagination, to fall down the precipice and then into hell.

Saddam Hussein#14

EthicsConsequenceMoralityPower

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker argues that greed and arrogance cause oppressors to commit injustices against others and ultimately harm themselves.
In plain terms
Greed and arrogance lead oppressors to hurt others and themselves.
What can you take from it?
Unchecked greed and arrogance lead to self-inflicted ruin.

Where it applies

  • ethical discussions
  • political critique
  • leadership lessons

Putting it to work

  • critique authoritarian leaders
  • warn about power
  • teach ethics

Questions to consider

  • Can greed and arrogance lead a leader to destroy themselves?
  • How do oppressors perceive their own actions?

Another view

It assumes all oppressors recognize their own downfall as a direct result of greed.

More from Saddam Hussein

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  3. If Israel attacks any Arab country ... we have the means to burn half of Israel.

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