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Arbitrary Power Quotes

Warnings against unchecked authority

These Arbitrary Power quotes warn that unchecked authority has tempted nations throughout Civilization, even when domain and wealth are acquired through genuine effort.

It is true, indeed, that the national domain is ours. It is true it was acquired by the valor and with the wealth of the whole nation. But we hold, nevertheless, no arbitrary power over it.

Quotes by William H. Seward

The love of domination and an uncontrolled lust of arbitrary power have prevailed among all nations and perhaps in proportion to the degrees of civilization.

Quotes by Mercy Otis Warren

One of the very basic ideas of Post-Modernism is rejection of arbitrary power structures. Different people are sensitive to different kinds of power structures.

Quotes by Larry Wall

Nip the shoots of arbitrary power in the bud, is the only maxim which can ever preserve the liberties of any people.

Quotes by John Quincy Adams

Always Quotes

The possession of arbitrary power has always, the world over, tended irresistibly to destroy humane sensibility, magnanimity, and truth.

Quotes by Frederick Law Olmsted

If vice and corruption prevail, liberty cannot subsist; but if virtue have the advantage, arbitrary power cannot be established.

Quotes by Algernon Sidney

Frequently Asked Questions

What historical warning do these Arbitrary Power quotes give?
One quote insists that even a nation's rightfully acquired domain and wealth don't justify holding arbitrary power over it, arguing that legitimacy of acquisition doesn't excuse unchecked control.
How is the love of domination described across time in these quotes?
One quote claims an uncontrolled lust for arbitrary power has appeared among nearly all nations throughout history, often growing alongside how advanced a society considers itself, a pointed irony about progress not preventing overreach.
What does 'nip the shoots' mean in one of these quotes?
It's a call to stop arbitrary power early, while it's still small like a young shoot, arguing that catching overreach at its start is the only real way to protect people's liberties long-term.
Do any of these quotes apply the idea beyond government?
Yes, one quote ties Post-Modernism's rejection of arbitrary power structures to how differently people respond to Different Kinds of authority, not just formal political power.
What common thread runs through all these Arbitrary Power quotes?
Each one, in its own way, argues that power without accountability tends to spread and entrench itself, and that resisting it early or structurally matters more than debating who holds it.

Others turn the idea inward, applying it to modern institutions and Different Kinds of structural power rather than just governments.