The good old rule Sufficeth them, the simple plan, That they should take, who have the power, And they should keep who can.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A cynical view suggests that those with power take what they want and keep it by force.
- In plain terms
- People take what they can and keep what they hold.
- What can you take from it?
- Power often dictates possession rather than fairness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who has the power to keep things in your world?
- Is fairness possible when power is unequal?
Another view
It ignores systems of cooperation and moral obligation.
More from William Wordsworth
Burn all the statutes and their shelves: They stir us up against our kind; And worse, against ourselves.
Permalink to quote #139 A brotherhood of venerable trees.
Permalink to quote #141 Yet was Rob Roy as wise as brave; Forgive me if the phrase be strong;- A Poet worthy of Rob Roy Must scorn a timid song.
Permalink to quote #138
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