"The highest proof of virtue is to possess boundless power without abusing it"
- Thomas Babington
About this Quote
This quote by Thomas Babington speaks to the concept that true virtue is shown not by simply having power, but by having power and not abusing it. It recommends that having power is inadequate to demonstrate virtue, but rather it is the restraint and self-discipline to not abuse that power that is the greatest evidence of virtue. This quote implies that having power is not an indication of virtue, however rather it is the capability to use that power responsibly and ethically that is the true measure of a person's character. It recommends that having power is not a sign of success, but rather it is the ability to use that power for great that is the true indication of success. This quote talks to the idea that having power is not a sign of strength, however rather it is the capability to utilize that power sensibly and ethically that is the true indication of strength.