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.

Though the power be wanting, yet the wish is praiseworthy.
[Lat., Ut desint vires tamen est laudanda voluntas.]

Though the power be wanting, yet the wish is praiseworthy.
[Lat., Ut desint vires tamen est laudanda voluntas.]

Because your own strength is unequal to the task, do not assume that it is beyond the powers of man; read more

Because your own strength is unequal to the task, do not assume that it is beyond the powers of man; but if anything is within the powers and province of man, believe that it is within your own compass also.

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.

Neither art thou the man to catch the fiend and hold him!
[Ger., Du bist noch nicht der Mann read more

Neither art thou the man to catch the fiend and hold him!
[Ger., Du bist noch nicht der Mann den Teufel festzuhalten.]

All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes read more

All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark.

Men are never very wise and select in the exercise of a new
power.

Men are never very wise and select in the exercise of a new
power.

There is no knowledge that is not power

There is no knowledge that is not power