The disposition of all power is to abuses, nor does it at all mend the matter that its possessors are a majority.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
The possession of arbitrary power has always, the world over, tended irresistibly to destroy humane sensibility, magnanimity, and truth.
The value of the majority lies not in the opportunity to wield great power, but in the chance to use power to do great things.
Unlimited power corrupts the possessor.
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. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant.
In a republic this rule ought to be observed: that the majority should not have the predominant power.
Power should not be concentrated in the hands of so few, and powerlessness in the hands of so many.
Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who posses it; and this I know, my lords: that where law ends, tyranny begins.
There is nothing more corrupting, nothing more destructive of the noblest and finest feelings of our nature, than the exercise of unlimited power.
Of all tyrannies a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive.
Where an excess of power prevails, property of no sort is duly respected. No man is safe in his opinions, his person, his faculties, or his possessions.