Al Barlick Quotes

Naturally we all have an inclination to command, and a great aversion to obey; and yet it is certain that it is more for our good to obey than to command; hence perfect souls have always had a great affection for obedience, and have found all their joy and comfort in it.

Woe to him that claims obedience when it is not due; woe to him that refuses it when it is.

We're taught Lord Acton's axiom: all power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. I believed that when I started these books, but I don't believe it's always true any more. Power doesn't always corrupt. Power can cleanse. What I believe is always true about power is that power always reveals.

Well, I have an interest in power. I have an interest in people who find themselves in the position to exercise absolute power.

Courtrooms contain every symbol of authority that a set designer could imagine. Everyone stands up when you come in. You wear a costume identifying you as, if not quite divine, someone special.

They that govern the most make the least noise.

Umpires sometimes have a quick trigger.

I was everything, patriarch, priest, father and judge.

Power tires only those who do not have it.

Every one, more or less, loves Power, yet those who most wish for it are seldom the fittest to be trusted with it.

Men in authority will always think that criticism of their policies is dangerous. They will always equate their policies with patriotism, and find criticism subversive.

I do think that it's extremely important with this character show her assuming power with a great deal of grace, and find out how to do things she won't like - the things she's called upon to do.

Bishops are like umpires. You have to have them to call the close decisions.

I've always been comfortable with people who run things, whether it was the principal of my high school or the president of the university.

I've heard it said that umpires are necessary evil. Well, we are necessary, but we are not evil. We are hard-working and dedicated people whose primary interest is to make sure the game is played fairly. We are the integrity of the game.

Men in authority tend to abuse it – not all men, but many.

Men love power.

Institutions are more powerful than men.

Power is insinuating. Few men are satisfied with less power than they are able to procure.

I do not wish to see men of culture asking to be entrusted with power

The chief is the chief. He is the eagle who flies high and cannot be touched by the spit of the toad.

Kings are the peoples Idols, creatures of their own making

If you're going to change things, you have to be with the people who hold the levers.

I work directly for the boss. I listen to everybody, but I have one man whose voice is louder than everybody else's.

You can try, but you seem cleverer than Fudge, so I'd have thought you'd have learned from his mistakes. He tried intervening at Hogwarts. You might have noticed he's not Minister anymore, but Dumbledore's still headmaster. I'd leave Dumbledore alone, if I were you.