1. “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” – Lord Acton (This famous quote warns that unchecked power inevitably leads to corruption, and the more power someone holds, the greater the corruption will be.)
2. “Absolute power is absolute power, no matter what it’s called.” – (This quote emphasizes that the corrupting influence of power doesn’t depend on titles or positions. Absolute control, regardless of its source, can be dangerous.)
3. “He can switch from one view to another with frightening ease. I think it is a sign of being accustomed to such power that the truth does not matter because you cannot be contradicted.” – (This quote highlights how absolute power can distort reality. When someone is never challenged, they may lose touch with truth and believe their own narrative.)
4. “Ethics and oversight are what you eliminate when you want absolute power.” – (This quote points out that absolute power requires the removal of checks and balances. Without ethical considerations or oversight, the potential for abuse grows.)
5. “If absolute power corrupts absolutely, does absolute powerlessness make you pure?” – (This quote offers a counterpoint, questioning if complete lack of power guarantees good. It suggests power itself might not be inherently corrupting, but the way it’s wielded.)
6. “To assume all the powers is not good for anybody.” – (This quote argues against concentrating power in one person or entity. It suggests a distribution of power is healthier for a society.)
7. “The greatest proof of power is the mass grave, the camp as a field of the dead.” – (This quote takes a dark turn, suggesting absolute power often leads to violence and destruction. It highlights the human cost of unchecked control.)
8. “Sometimes evil is even necessary to run this evil nature.” – (This quote presents a cynical view, suggesting absolute power might see some level of evil as unavoidable to maintain control.)
9. “Can anyone maintain power without lying? Looks to me like living without breathing.” – (This quote, again cynical, suggests absolute power might necessitate dishonesty. It implies complete truthfulness might be incompatible with maintaining complete control.)
10. “Things sometimes did not work out. Even if you wanted them to more than anything else. You couldn’t will someone to love you back. You had to move on…” – (This quote deviates from the theme of corruption. It suggests even absolute power has limitations. There are things even the most powerful cannot control.)