"Man is insatiable for power; he is infantile in his desires and, always discontented with what he has, loves only what he has not. People complain of the despotism of princes; they ought to complain of the despotism of man"
- Joseph de Maistre
About this Quote
This quote by Joseph de Maistre talks to the human condition of never being satisfied with what we have. He suggests that guy is constantly striving for more power, and is never content with what he has. He also suggests that guy resembles a baby, constantly wanting more and never satisfied. De Maistre further suggests that individuals frequently complain about the despotism of princes, however they should be more worried with the despotism of man. This quote talks to the idea that humans are never ever satisfied and will constantly pursue more, even if it means taking power far from others. It is a pointer that we should bear in mind our own power and how it impacts others. De Maistre's quote is a warning that untreated power can cause despotism, which we ought to be aware of our own power and how it affects others.