Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it.

William Pitt, Earl of Chatham

More information about this quote

Topic

Nature of power Absolute power Power

Speaker

William Pitt, Earl of Chatham

Medium

Speech

Genre

Political speech

Language

English

Time

1770 1770s 18th century

Occupation

National leader Politician

From

United Kingdom Europe

Authentication Score 3

Citation

Pitt, William. Speech in the House of Lords on John Wilkes. 9 Jan. 1770, Palace of Westminster, Westminster, London, England, UK.

Illustrated Quote

A quote by William Pitt, Earl of Chatham about nature of power: “Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who…”
Download
A quote by William Pitt, Earl of Chatham about nature of power: “Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who…”
Download
A quote by William Pitt, Earl of Chatham about nature of power: “Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who…”
Download

Related Quotes

Below are one or more quotes that share at least one tag with the quote at the top of the page

Another quote from the 1770s

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

Amazing Grace

Read the lyrics to this hymn at hymnary.org
More information about this quote
Topic
Salvation Grace

Author

John Newton
Source
Amazing Grace
Medium
Hymn Song
Language
English
Time
1779 1770s 18th century
Authentication Score 3
Citation

Newton, John. 'Faith's Review and Expectation." Olney Hymns. London: W. Oliver, 1779.

Another quote about Power

Power may justly be compared to a great River, while kept within its due Bonds, is both Beautiful and Useful; but when it overflows its Banks, it is then too impetuous to be stemm'd, it bears down all before it, and brings Destruction and Desolation wherever it comes. If then this is the Nature of Power, let us at least do our Duty, and like wise Men (who value Freedom) use our utmost Care to support Liberty, the only Bulwark against lawless Power, which in all Ages has sacrificed to it's wild Lust and boundless Ambition, the Blood of the best Men that ever liv'd.

Andrew Hamilton

More information about this quote
Topic
Nature of power Power
Speaker
Andrew Hamilton
Language
English
Time
1735 1730s 18th century
Authentication Score 3
Citation

Hamilton, Andrew. Argument in John Peter Zenger Trial. 1735, New York's City Hall, New York, NY, USA.

Another quote from the following genre Political speech

It is not light that is needed, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake. The feeling of the nation must be quickened; the conscience of the nation must be roused; the propriety of the nation must be startled; the hypocrisy of the nation must be exposed; and its crimes against God and man must be proclaimed and denounced.

Frederick Douglass

What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?

More information about this quote
Topic
American slavery American Civil War
Speaker
Frederick Douglass
Source
What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?
Medium
Speech
Genre
Political speech
Language
English
Time
1852 1850s 19th century
Authentication Score 2
Original Citation

Douglass, Frederick. Speech to the Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society. 5 July 1852, Corinthian Hall, Rochester, NY, USA.

Current Citation

Douglass, Frederick. "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July? An Address." Frederick Douglass: Speeches & Writings, edited by David W. Blight. Library of America, 2022.