 Bertrand Russell Quotes 366 |
Since power over human beings is shown in making them do what they would rather not do, the man who is actuated by love of power is more apt to inflict pain than to permit pleasure. If you ask your boss for leave of absence from the office on some legitimate occasion, his love of power will derive more satisfaction from a refusal than from a consent.
Source：Human Society in Ethics and Politics, 1954, part II: The Conflict of Passions, chapter ２: Politically important desires, n.7
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Some might argue against this statement, saying that we need to have the courage to say ‘no’. Of course, depending on the issue and the situation, there are times when it is more appropriate to say ‘no’ and times when it is more appropriate to say ‘yes’. Russell gives here an example of ‘showing your authority by saying no when it is better to say yes’.
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