Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.

The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, read more

The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws.

The attempt to combine wisdom and power has only rarely been successful and then only for a short while

The attempt to combine wisdom and power has only rarely been successful and then only for a short while

Those who do not wish to kill any one, wish they had the power.
[Lat., Et qui nolunt occidere read more

Those who do not wish to kill any one, wish they had the power.
[Lat., Et qui nolunt occidere quemquam
Posse volunt.]

There is nothing which power cannot believe of itself, when it is
praised as equal to the gods.
read more

There is nothing which power cannot believe of itself, when it is
praised as equal to the gods.
[Lat., Nihil est quod credere de se
Non possit, quum laudatur dis aequa potestas.]

Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control -- these three alone lead to power.

Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control -- these three alone lead to power.

The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable read more

The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.

The power of man has grown in every sphere, except over himself.

The power of man has grown in every sphere, except over himself.

O what is it proud slime will not believe
Of his own worth, to hear it equal praised
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O what is it proud slime will not believe
Of his own worth, to hear it equal praised
Thus with the gods?