Theme

Power philosophy quotes

Power is the capacity to affect others and to shape what counts as possible—central to politics and ethics.

Why this theme matters

Philosophers analyze domination, authority, freedom, and the micro-politics of everyday life. Power can enable justice or crush it.

In the history of philosophy

From classical statecraft and Legalism to modern liberalism, Marxism, and Foucaultian analysis, the theme links institutions to the soul.

Thinkers in this collection

Francis Bacon , Han Feizi , Thomas Hobbes , John Stuart Mill , Dhammapada , Thomas Aquinas , John Locke , Wang Fuzhi

Frequently asked questions

What is power in philosophy?

It is the ability to produce effects—especially over people—through force, authority, ideology, or structure.

Is power always bad?

No. Many theories distinguish empowering capacity from domination, and ask how power can be accountable.

Where are philosophy quotes about power?

Browse this theme and related pages on politics, freedom, and responsibility.

  1. For knowledge itself is power.
  2. When the age changes, affairs change; when affairs change, preparations must change.
  3. During the time men live without a common Power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called War.
  4. 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.
  5. Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. This is an eternal law.
  6. Good is to be done and pursued, and evil avoided.
  7. Where there is no law, there is no freedom.
  8. Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.
  9. Human knowledge and human power meet in one.
  10. The great method of ordering the world lies in discerning the times and gauging the situation.