“Power attracts the corruptible. Suspect any who seek it.”
Quote Analysis
Power can be a dangerous force, as it has the ability to seduce even the most honest individuals into corruption. Frank Herbert, in this quote, warns that those who actively seek power may already have questionable intentions. This serves as a reminder to be wary of those who are constantly striving for influence and control, as they may be easily swayed towards unethical behavior.
The Corrupting Influence of Power
In today's society, Frank Herbert's quote "Power attracts the corruptible. Suspect any who seek it" holds significant relevance. The pursuit of power often lures individuals who may not have the best intentions, leading to corrupt practices and abuse of authority. This cautionary statement serves as a reminder to be vigilant and wary of those who are excessively power-hungry as their motivations may not always be pure.
Quote Example:
Here is an example of using the quote by Frank Herbert in a conversation:
"When discussing potential leaders, it is important to remember Frank Herbert's warning: "Power attracts the corruptible. Suspect any who seek it." This serves as a reminder to question the intentions of those who actively pursue positions of power."
Reflection Questions:
When considering the quote "Power attracts the corruptible. Suspect any who seek it," by Frank Herbert, it invites us to reflect on the nature of power and those who pursue it. Below are some questions to consider:
What is your understanding of power? How do you see it being wielded in various aspects of society?
Have there been instances where you have observed individuals seeking power for dubious reasons? How did you react to this behavior?
How do you differentiate between those who seek power for noble reasons versus those who seek it for self-serving purposes?
In what ways can we guard ourselves against the influence of corrupt individuals who may be seeking power for the wrong reasons?
Reflecting on your own desires for power, how do you ensure that your motives are aligned with integrity and ethical conduct?
Similar quotes
“It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually attracted by other things than power.”
“Absolute power does not corrupt absolutely, absolute power attracts the corruptible.”
“It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.”
“It was not power that corrupted people, but fools who corrupted power.”
“Those who seek absolute power, even though they seek it to do what they regard as good, are simply demanding the right to enforce their own version of heaven on earth. And let me remind you, they are the very ones who always create the most hellish tyrannies. Absolute power does corrupt, and those who seek it must be suspect and must be opposed. Their mistaken course stems from false notions of equality, ladies and gentlemen. Equality, rightly understood, as our founding fathers understood it, leads to liberty and to the emancipation of creative differences. Wrongly understood, as it has been so tragically in our time, it leads first to conformity and then to despotism. Fellow Republicans, it is the cause of Republicanism to resist concentrations of power, private or public, which enforce such conformity and inflict such despotism. It is the cause of Republicanism to ensure that power remains in the hands of the people. ”