Famous quote by Joseph de Maistre

Mobile Desktop
Man is insatiable for power he is infantile in his desires and, always discontented with what he has, loves only what he
Like

"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.

About the Author

France Flag This quote is written / told by Joseph de Maistre between April 1, 1753 and February 26, 1821. He/she was a famous Diplomat from France. The author also have 15 other quotes.

Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

Small: A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: w
Lao Tzu
"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves"
Lao Tzu, Author
Small: Buildings should serve people, not the other way around - John Portman
John Portman
"Buildings should serve people, not the other way around"
John Portman, Architect
Small: Borders? I have never seen one. But I have heard they exist in the minds of some people - Thor Heyerdahl
Thor Heyerdahl
"Borders? I have never seen one. But I have heard they exist in the minds of some people"
Thor Heyerdahl, Explorer
Small: I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their charact
Martin Luther King Jr.
"I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character"
Martin Luther King Jr., Minister
Small: Sarcasm: the last refuge of modest and chaste-souled people when the privacy of their soul is coarsely and int
Fyodor Dostoevsky
"Sarcasm: the last refuge of modest and chaste-souled people when the privacy of their soul is coarsely and intrusively invaded"
Fyodor Dostoevsky, Novelist
Small: People with many interests live, not only longest, but happiest - George Matthew Adams
George Matthew Adams
"People with many interests live, not only longest, but happiest"
George Matthew Adams, Philosopher
Small: First-rate people hire first-rate people second-rate people hire third-rate people - Leo Rosten
Leo Rosten
"First-rate people hire first-rate people; second-rate people hire third-rate people"
Leo Rosten, Novelist
Small: A company is only as good as the people it keeps - Mary Kay Ash
Mary Kay Ash
"A company is only as good as the people it keeps"
Mary Kay Ash, Businesswoman
Small: Few people have the imagination for reality - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
"Few people have the imagination for reality"
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, Writer
Small: The Oscar changed everything. Better salary, working with better people, better projects, more exposure, less
Kathy Bates
"The Oscar changed everything. Better salary, working with better people, better projects, more exposure, less privacy"
Kathy Bates, Actress