Quotes about Power
It supports a ruling class that lives as ruling classes have lived in all times while, beneath them, a semihuman mass of semislaves exists on the leavings…
— Frank Herbert
A world is supported by four things…." She held up four big-knuckled fingers. "…the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the righteous and the valor of the brave. But all of these are as nothing…." She closed her fingers into a fist. "…without a ruler who knows the art of ruling. Make that
— Frank Herbert
You should fear me, Mother. I am the Kwisatz Haderach." Jessica
— Frank Herbert
She had quoted a Bene Gesserit proverb to him: "When religion and politics travel in the same cart, the riders believe nothing can stand in their way. Their movement becomes headlong—faster and faster and faster. They put aside all thought of obstacles and forget that a precipice does not show itself to the man in a blind rush until it's too late." Paul
— Frank Herbert
We should grant power over our affairs only to those reluctant to hold it, and only under conditions that increase that reluctance.
— Frank Herbert
There exists a limit to the force even the most powerful may apply without destroying themselves. Judging this limit is the true artistry of government. Misuse of power is the fatal sin. The law cannot be a tool of vengeance, never a hostage, nor a fortification against the martyrs it has created. You cannot threaten any individual and escape the consequences
— Frank Herbert
It requires good government. That does not depend upon laws or precedent, but upon the personal qualities of whoever governs.
— Frank Herbert
They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up as the east wind, and they shall gather the captivity of the sand.
— Frank Herbert
Most of the Houses have grown fat by taking few risks. One cannot truly blame them for this; one can only despise them.
— Frank Herbert
The man without emotions is the one to fear. But deep emotions…ah, now, those can be bent to your needs.
— Frank Herbert
Understand yourself, Piter. You want her because she was a Duke's woman, a symbol of his power—beautiful, useful, exquisitely trained for her role.
— Frank Herbert
Words can carry any burden we wish. All that's required is an agreement and a tradition upon which to build.
— Frank Herbert