power - quotes

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1749-1832

was a German dramatist, novelist, poet, and scientist

Beware of dissipating your powers; strive constantly to concentrate them. Genius thinks it can do whatever it sees others doing, but is sure to repent of every ill-judged outlay.

Thomas Paine, 1737-1809

was an US patriot and political philosopher

All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit.

( “The Age of Reason”, 1793 - 1794 )

Shakti Gawain, 1948-

is an author

Every time you don't follow your inner guidance, you feel a loss of energy, loss of power, a sense of spiritual deadness.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882

was an US essayist and poet

There is no thought in any mind, but it quickly tends to convert itself into a power.

Friedrich (Wilhelm) Nietzsche, 1844-1900

was a German philosopher

This world is the will to power — and nothing besides!

( The World to Power, section 1064 )

John Stuart Mill, 1806-1873

was an English economist and philosopher

The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant.

( “On Liberty”, 1859 )

Robert Burns, 1759-1796

was a Scottish national poet

Oh would some power the giftie gie us, to see ourselves as others see us.

( “To a Louse”, 1786 )