"Power confuses itself with virtue and tends also to take itself for omnipotence"
- J. William Fulbright
About this Quote
This quote by J. William Fulbright speaks to the dangers of power. Power can be a hazardous thing when it is not utilized responsibly. When power is mistreated, it can lead to a sense of entitlement and a belief that a person is above the law. This can lead to an incorrect sense of supremacy and a feeling of omnipotence. Power can likewise result in a sense of invincibility, which can result in a lack of accountability and a disregard for the effects of one's actions. Power can also lead to a sense of ethical superiority, where one thinks that their own beliefs and worths are the only ones that matter. This can result in an absence of compassion and a neglect for the rights of others. Power can be a terrific tool when utilized responsibly, however it can likewise be a dangerous thing when it is abused. It is necessary to bear in mind that power ought to never ever be confused with virtue, which it should never ever be considered approved.