Effective Power Quotes

Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent then the one derived from fear of punishment.

In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.

When restraint and courtesy are added to strength, the latter becomes irresistible.

A Supreme Court decision that concessions of this sort were unconstitutional would have taken them off the table and actually increased the effective sovereignty of elected officials.

A superpower, however, is only as good as the forces through which it exercises that power.

True power does not need arrogance, a long beard and a barking voice. True power strangles you with silk ribbons, charm and intelligence.

Power is not merely shouting aloud. Power is to act positively with all the components of power.

He hath no power that hath not power to use.

Power call achieve more by gentle means than by violence.

America’s power to intervene effectively overseas depends on its power to persuade and not merely coerce. The power to persuade depends on a willingness to be persuaded. And that willingness depends, ultimately, on America’s willingness to entertain the prospect that it is wrong.

Far better to think historically, to remember the lessons of the past. Thus, far better to conceive of power as consisting in part of the knowledge of when not to use all the power you have. Far better to be one who knows that if you reserve the power not to use all your power, you will lead others far more successfully and well.

What kind of power was it if it would never be used?

If religion cannot restrain evil, it cannot claim effective power for good.

Liberty is not just an idea, an abstract principle. It is power, effective power to do specific things. There is no such thing as liberty in general; liberty, so to speak, at large.

Sometimes the right response to evil is an appeal to powerful and effective social organization - an appeal to civilization itself.