Bertrand Russell Quotes 366 |
Many people prefer glory to power, but on the whole these people have less effect upon the course of events than those who prefer power to glory. ... And as it is especially the vice of energetic men, the causal efficacy of love of power is out of all proportion to its frequency. It is, indeed, by far the strongest motive in the lives of important men.
Source: Human Society in Ethics and Politics, 1954, part II: The Conflict of Passions, chapter 2: Politically important desires, n.6
More info.: https://russell-j.com/cool/47T-2_0206.htm
* a brief comment
Without power, great things cannot be achieved in politics. But power is a demon, and it is human nature to want to wield more power than necessary, a vice peculiar to energetic people in power.
* Amazon Gift Card