Jean Rostand Quotes

He who has great power should use it lightly.

All too often arrogance accompanies strength, and we must never assume that justice is on the side of the strong. The use of power must always be accompanied by moral choice.

Next to power without honor, the most dangerous thing in the world is power without humor.

Power is dangerous unless you have humility.

Great leaders are willing to sacrifice the numbers to save the people. Poor leaders sacrifice the people to save the numbers.

Use power to help people. For we are given power not to advance our own purposes nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power and it is to serve people.

People have the power to redeem the work of fools.

Scientific progress makes moral progress a necessity; for if man's power is increased, the checks that restrain him from abusing it must be strengthened.

The great must submit to the dominion of prudence and of virtue, or none will long submit to the dominion of the great.

We wrestle with the political issues of who has stewardship over life.

Before we acquire great power we must acquire wisdom to use it well

Our great power does not mean we can do whatever we want whenever we want, nor should we assume we have all the wisdom and knowledge necessary to succeed.

That I should lay down my charge at a proper period is as much a duty as to have borne it faithfully.

The fellow that has power is the one who uses it sparingly ... I had more power when I went into office than when I went out.

The greatest virtue in a prince is to know his friends.

Whether it's a blessing or a curse, it's a fact that we have power. Everyone—friend and enemy—looks to see how we use it, how we treat it, how we keep it.

Some call it power; I prefer to call it responsibility.

There are a lot of smart people in politics and government, but character matters ... it is terribly important that the two be melded.

Rulers should always remind themselves that they are men like the least of their subjects.

A good chief gives, he does not take.

I wonder truly at your insolence, that, whereas by God's favor and mine, you have occupied the rank and office of the wise, you have neglected the studies and labors of the wise. Either, therefore, at once give up the discharge of the temporal duties which you hold, or endeavor more zealously to study the lessons of wisdom. Such are my commands.

The wisest man is he who can account for his actions.

We have usurped many of the powers we once ascribed to God. Fearful and unprepared, we have assumed lordship over the life or death of the whole world — of all living things. The danger and the glory and the choice rest finally in man. The test of his perfectibility is at hand. Having taken Godlike power, we must seek in ourselves for the responsibility and the wisdom we once prayed some deity might have. Man himself has become our greatest hazard and our only hope.

Will people ever be wise enough to refuse to follow bad leaders …?

I cannot take the responsibility for the shedding a single drop of blood. I believe this bloodshed could have been avoided.