Claire Crawford-Mason Quotes

I'm not the manager because I'm always right, but I'm always right because I'm the manager.

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.

But constant experience shows us that every man invested with power is apt to abuse it, and to carry his authority as far as it will go.

I would hate people to think bossy is all I can do.

Power is something of which I am convinced there is no innocence this side of the womb.

Certainly I shall not be one of those who, having gained power, do not wish to use it.

Kings are the peoples Idols, creatures of their own making

when greed and fear are linked to power, you have a dangerous mix. We see that in political life. In part of the world, the mix of greed and fear means that those who get power become reluctant to give it back. One of the many things I like and admire in our democracies are the norms that make our leaders hand over power when voters tell them to

We are domesticated animals, revolving in a cage which we have built for ourselves - with its contentions, wranglings, its impossible political leaders, its gurus who exploit our self-conceit and their own with great refinement or rather crudely.

When you're the president, there's tremendous respect, and everybody goes out of their way respecting you and honoring you... it can be a trap. Nobody says 'Boo' to you, and nobody tells you you're wrong, hardly, if you have the wrong people around you.

Once you've built the big machinery of political power, remember you won't always be the one to run it.

Leadership is important in politics.

AAP's Punjab Convener is not a rubber stamp.

Don't know how much of an Alpha I am.

The Presidents job, is not to wield power himself, but to lead attention away from it.

The public cannot be too curious concerning the characters of public men.

Who so taketh in hand to frame any state or government ought to presuppose that all men are evil, and at occasions will show themselves so to be.

We imagine much more appropriately an artisan on his toilet seat or on his wife than a great president, venerable by his demeanorand his ability. It seems to us that they do not stoop from their lofty thrones even to live.

An expert is someone who articulates the needs of those in power.

Any government will work if authority and responsibility are equal and coordinate. This does not insure “good” government, it simply insures that it will work. But such governments are rare — most people want to run things, but want no part of the blame. This used to be called the “backseat driver” syndrome.

This job of playing God is a little too big for me. Nevertheless, someone has to do it, so I'll try my best to fake it.

I think the policy makers like the idea of being the boss. I mean people who like to boss other people around like to go into politics so they can become the boss.

It is a mistake, that a lust for power is the mark of a great mind; for even the weakest have been captivated by it; and for minds of the highest order, it has no charms.

Why is everything always my decision?" I asked. Because you will not tolerate anything else." Oh, I remembered now. "Great", I whispered. - Anita to Jean-Claude

Everybody likes to get as much power as circumstances allow, and nobody will vote for a self-denying ordinance.